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2015 Global Sports Mentoring Program: Empower Women through Sports Book

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U.S. Department of State and espnW

2015 GLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM In cooperation with The University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace, & Society

PROGRAM book


table of contents INTRODUCTION 3

Program Introduction

5

Program Partners

7

Social Media

8

Program Schedule Overview

GSMP LEGACY 9

Defining the Action Plan

10

Global Impact

12

2014 Alumnae Highlights

GSMP 2015

2

16

Emerging Leaders

17

Mentors

18

Meet the Matches

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Matches on the Map

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Nga Le (Vietnam) & Val Ackerman & Ann Wells Crandall (Big East Conference)

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Carla Bustamante (Mexico) & Marina Escobar (ESPN)

37

Hanna Fauzie (Indonesia) & Kimberly Wilson (ESPN)

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Pavithra Chandra (India) & Julie Eddleman (Google; Proctor & Gamble)

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Caroline Maher (Egypt) & Kerry Ruggieri & Sofia Lombardo-Ramos (Ketchum Sports & Entertainment)

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Katie Bourner (France) & Hilary Shaev (NBA)

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Nungshi & Tashi Malik (India) & Susan Cohig (NHL)

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Yasmian Alsharshani (Qatar) & Rhona Aime & Angela Schmelzer (PGA of America)

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Cynthia Coredo (Kenya) & Gwen Conley (Saatchi & Saatchi LA)

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Shanelle Barrett (New Zealand) & Joan Coraggio (Saatchi & Saatchi LA)

101

Najat Alsayegh (Kuwait) & Laura Dixon (Spurs Sports & Entertainment)

109

Cecilia Vales (Mexico) & Karen Morrison & Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak (University of Central Florida)

117

Batoul Arnaout (Jordan) & Alicia McConnell (USOC)

125

Julie Paterson (New Zealand) & Deborah Slaner Larkin (Women’s Sports Foundation)

133

Veronica Osogo (Kenya) & Kathryn Chappetto & Cindy Lupkey (Women’s Tennis Association)

GlobalSportsWomen.org


Program introduction

In a shared effort to empower women and girls through sports, the U.S.

young female leaders. Tapping into the unique power of mentoring, these

Department of State and espnW joined forces to create the Global Sports

female executives and the host organizations provide the international

Mentoring Program (GSMP).

participants with the opportunity to cultivate management and business skills in an American sports environment.

As the cornerstone of the overall U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative, the GSMP supports the U.S.

The Emerging Leaders are nominated by the U.S. embassies overseas

Foreign Policy Goal to advance the status of women and girls around the

based on their prior accomplishments and passion to make an even

world.

greater impact in their country’s sports sector. These individuals demonstrate the potential to achieve significant success in their profession

Launched by then Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and ESPN President John Skipper in 2011, the program enters its fourth year pairing emerging female leaders from around the globe with female executives at leading U.S. companies in the sports sector for a month-long mentorship experience.

and the ability to teach and guide others in their home country – particularly girls – so that they may experience the benefits of sports. For the mentorship to contribute to long-term positive change worldwide, each Emerging Leader crafts an Action Plan to implement upon her return home with the common goal of creating sports opportunities for underserved women and girls.

As part of the overall collaboration, espnW works with the State Department to secure the Mentors and host organizations for the Emerging Leaders participating in the program. Representatives from partner organizations include senior executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sector who are committed to supporting

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The GSMP is based on a growing body of evidence that women and girls who play sports are increasingly likely to excel not only on the playing field, but in life. According to studies by the United Nations and others, women and girls’ participation in sports is an important social and

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economic empowerment tool.

• Women and girls who participate in sport acquire new

professional networks and more opportunities to become

engaged in school and community activities.

• Sports serve as a vehicle for women and girls to enhance their

leadership roles and participate in decision-marking.

• Sports convene people regardless of background, culture,

gender, or belief system, and can promote greater tolerance

and understanding among individuals and communities.

• Sports teams and organized sporting activities provide an

excellent platform for promoting dialogue on the importance of

education and diversity.

• Girls’ participation in sports directly correlates with

participation in higher education and employment. A single

year of primary education correlates with a 10-20% increase in

wages later in life and a single year of secondary education

results in a 15-25% increase.

The U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative mobilizes all of the Department’s sports diplomacy efforts – from Sports Envoys traveling overseas to Sports Visitors coming to the United States – to increase the number of women and girls in sports. As the flagship component of the initiative, the GSMP fully plays into this mission so women and girls can experience the many benefits of sports. Further, the mentorship allows for Mentors, Emerging Leaders, alumnae, and other involved partners to develop a lasting relationship and mutually enhanced global network. The 2015 mentors represent the following entities: Big East Conference, ESPN, Google, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment, National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), PGA of America, Proctor & Gamble, Saatchi & Saatchi LA, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, U.S. Olympic Committee, University of Central Florida, Women’s Sports Foundation, and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The 2015 class of Emerging Leaders hail from: Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, New Zealand, Qatar, and Vietnam.

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PROGRAM PARTNERS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between Americans and people from around the world through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders from the United States and nearly 170 countries. Alumni of these exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY Our mission at the Center for Sport, Peace, & Society is to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, mentoring, and service. At the Center, we seek to train a new generation of changemakers who are using the intersections of sport, education, and media to tackle some of the world’s most complex issues. Using our uniquely created “4-E Model for Engagement,” we seek to Expose, Equip, Empower, and Entrust local and global audiences to use sport to make a difference. Our work is grounded in more than twenty years of sports development experience using sport to promote empowerment, leadership, and peace-building by working alongside women, girls, refugees, immigrants, student-athletes, and persons with disabilities. It is our hope that through sport individuals will become empowered change agents interested in promoting peace and inclusivity around the world.

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Program PARTNERS espnW was launched in September 2010 as a brand built to serve women who love sports – those playing, consuming and discussing sports. espnW speaks to and inspires women, engaging them in numerous ways, across multiple platforms. Our digital foundation, espnW.com, is a site specifically for women, from the design aesthetic and mobile experience, to story selection and perspective. Key espnW.com editorial pillars include:

• In-depth coverage of female athletes and the sports they play

• Inside access and a unique point of view on sports’ biggest events

• Deeply reported, beautifully told stories about sports personalities

and the issues that matter most to women

The espnW brand encompasses digital media, events, films, radio, TV, and pro-social platforms. Our annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit is the leading event of its kind.

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SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICIAL GSMP HASHTAG:

#EMPOWERWOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS THROUGH SPORTS INITIATIVE http://www.globalsportswomen.org facebook.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram @ewgts youtube.com/globalsportswomen flickr.com/globalsportswomen U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE/SPORTSUNITED http://exchanges.state.gov/womeninsports facebook.com/pages/SportsUnited-US-Department-of-State @SportsDiplomacy, @StateDept, @ECAatState youtube.com/exchangesvideo flickr.com/exchangesphotos instagram.com/exchangeourworld espnW http://www.espnW.com facebook.com/espnW @espnW instagram.com/espnW pinterest.com/espnW UT CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY http://sportandpeace.utk.edu facebook.com/thecenterforsportpeacesociety @sportandpeaceUT instagram.com/sportandpeaceUT soundcloud.com/sportandpeaceUT issuu.com/sportandpeaceUT

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program schedule overview

SEPTEMBER SATURDAY, 12

october

Emerging Leaders arrive

FRIDAY, 9

in Washington, DC SUNDAY, 13 –

Orientation and Action

SATURDAY, 19

Plan preparation

day of mentorship SATURDAY, 10

MONDAY, 21

Emerging Leaders return to Washington, DC

SUNDAY, 11 SUNDAY, 20

Emerging Leader’s last

Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders arrive

debrief mentorship

at mentor host city

experience

Emerging Leaders begin on-site mentorship

MONDAY, 12 – TUESDAY, 13 WEDNESDAY, 14

Emerging Leaders present Action Plans Emerging Leaders depart for espnW Summit

THURSDAY, 15 – FRIDAY, 16 SATURDAY, 17

Emerging Leaders attend espnW Summit Emerging Leaders return home to change the world!

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


GSMP LEGACY: DEFINING THE ACTION PLAN BUILD ACTION PLAN WITH MENTOR

Racha Kalot,

Lebanon

PRESENT TO GLOBAL NETWORK

Naira Abramyan,

Armenia

EMPOWER WOMEN AT HOME

Luz Amuchastegui,

Argentina

THE ACTION PLAN is the culmination of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) experience. During the first week of the GSMP, each Emerging Leader is charged with identifying a pressing social

ACTION PLAN THEMES

issue facing women and girls in their local communities or work place. Throughout the mentorship experience, the Emerging Leader

20%

works with her peers, program facilitators, and the mentoring team to develop a strategy for addressing this social issue through sport. The Emerging Leader draws upon the resources, knowledge, and expertise of her sisters and mentors to create well-developed “social

12% 12%

business� strategies.

6%

During the final week of the program, Emerging Leaders present their Action Plan ideas to their peers and key American stakeholders for feedback and support. Upon return to their home countries, Emerging Leaders build networks with local organizations to execute their ideas and in turn, empower more women and girls through sports.

44%

6%

Life Skills/Youth Development

22

Other*

10

More Access to Sport

6

Mentoring Networks

6

Disability Sports

3

Post-Conflict/Disaster

3

Other themes include the following: Diversity & Inclusion, Policy & Governance, Journalism, Advocacy, & Sport Growth.

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GSMP LEGACY: GLOBAL IMPACT 3 YEARS. 50 WOMEN. Worldwide Reach. 8 7

7

6

REGIONS East Asia/Pacific South/Central Asia

13 9

Europe & Eurasia Near East Asia Africa Western Hemisphere

IN JUST THREE YEARS, women and girls all over the world have experienced the ripple effect of the GSMP and its empowering message. By providing 50 women with the critical tools, resources,

PROFESSIONAL FIELDS

and support needed to carry out their Action Plan ideas, thousands of 16%

women and girls have reaped the benefits. In fact, of the 50 women selected for this program, 43 have implemented at least some portion,

22%

10%

if not all, of their proposed Action Plans, touching the lives of women and girls in their families, communities, schools, and work places. By passing this message on to the next generation, the GSMP is creating a living legacy of women’s empowerment and positive social change through sport.

10

28%

10% 10% 2%

2%

NGO Entrepreneur League/Federation Education Government Media Corporate Olympic Committee

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GSMP LEGACY: Global IMPACT A pre-test was conducted at the beginning of each GSMP to measure knowledge and capacity, followed by a post-test at the end of the program. The results demonstrate the program’s short-term impact. I consider myself a LEADER.

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 35.3% Agree 41.2% Unsure 23.5%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 47% Agree 41.2% Unsure 11.8%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 29.4% Agree 41.2% Unsure 29.4%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree 73.3% Agree 20% Unsure 6.7%

94%

94%

OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT GSMP HELPED THEM BUILD A STRONG NETWORK OF SUPPORT

“

I can articulate the IMPORTANCE of sport for women and girls

I consider myself an EMPOWERED woman.

OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT GSMP CULTIVATED NEW ABILITIES TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

100%

OF 2014 EMERGING LEADERS INCREASED THEIR APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

IN HER WORDS

Before I went to GSMP, I thought this was a program where the organizers gather up elite women from different cultures and put them together. But, when you get there, you see women act like they’ve known each other forever. Over time, you realize they have a common conviction, and then you see it’s an environment where you can really explore yourself, and realize all the differences and problems in the world don’t separate us, but bring us together. – GSMP 2014 Alumna MAY CHEN, Singapore

“

”

“

The GSMP was a golden opportunity. I learned how to respect others, their values, cultures, religions, points of view, thoughts...how to share food, clothes, happiness, sadness, your tears, and your smile. And how to collect feelings and become a family internationally. In my society, it’s very difficult for a woman to explore herself in her own way. In the GSMP, I learned sharing -- no leg-pulling, no jealousy -- and appreciation.

” ”

– GSMP 2014 Alumna SADIA MEHWISH, Pakistan

For me, more than anything, the GSMP exposed me to support. You know when you have dreams and people don’t get it? For me, the program made those dreams matter. In my own mind, I was struggling to even envision my plan and how I could carry it out. But, suddenly I wind up at the WNBA and people like everything I suggest, and I get all kinds of support. So, the GSMP really validated my views and my plan to take basketball to girls in Zimbabwe.

– GSMP 2014 Alumna BELIA ZIBOWA, Zimbabwe

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GSMP LEGACY: 2014 ALUMnae highlights DARE IT! KICK IT! – NAIRA ABRAMYAN, ARMENIA Despite having never played the sport, Naira – one of the only women working in a sport management role in Armenia – has always had a fervent passion for soccer. But what she feels even more strongly about is giving more girls and women the opportunity to play a sport that is wildly popular around the world, but still largely perceived as one for men. Naira began working to increase accessibility and participation in soccer for girls and women in Armenia shortly after the conclusion of the 2014 GSMP. In a society where only 22% of girls participate in grassroots soccer, compared to 78% for boys, and where opportunities are greatly limited for women and girls, she had her work cut out. But armed with a dogged determination to see change take place, Naira eventually found the support of her local U.S. Embassy, which connected her with American soccer player Andrea Montalbano. That led to collaboration on a week-long soccer project in rural Aragotsotn with three local, all-girl village teams. During that week, 50 girls aged 10-18 went through physical training sessions led by Armenian women’s national team player Kristine Mangasaryan and local coaches. The girls were also able to learn about leadership and the positive impact of sport on their lives through seminars led by Naira and Andrea. But Naira didn’t stop there. She went on to host several educational sessions for girls in the villages this February, even organizing a spring soccer tournament. It has led to features on Armenian national television, and her partnership with Andrea continues until today.

WOMEN WITH WINGS – MAQULATE ONYANGO, KENYA Maqulate knows what lack is, for she has been well acquainted with it her whole life. Born in an informal settlement in Nairobi and raised in a slum area, Maqulate has faced many challenges, including poverty and at times, hopelessness. But what Maqulate also has, having made giant strides in her life to overcome these hurdles, is a commitment to changing the lives of millions of young girls still living in similar situations. And now she has a platform to make that happen. Upon returning to Kenya after the 2014 GSMP, Maqulate launched the first Women with Wings clubs in five low-income schools that her organization, Mathare Youth Sports Association, already work in. As part of the initiative, 55 girls were able to complete mentorship workshops focusing on early pregnancy, illiteracy and female genital mutilation. In February and March this year, Maqulate recruited trainers and prepared curriculum for Women with Wings to launch new projects in northern Turkana County. What Maqulate has also been able to do is lean in on her Kenyan sisters and fellow-GSMP alumnae. Together with Lizzie Kiama (2014), Barbara Kokonya (2013) and Grace Kiraguri (2012), the GSMP network form a web of support for each other, winning follow-on grant funds from the U.S. State Department and supporting one another as facilitators on each others’ projects. They also serve as mentors for female business leaders in Kenya. Maqulate might not have been born with much, but one thing she does not lack is a heart for the girls and women of her country.

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GSMP LEGACY: 2014 ALUMnae highlights I CAN. SHE CAN. – DIMA ALARDAH, JORDAN Dima is a whole lot of heart, belief and can-do spirit all in one small package. The former professional badminton player started SHUTTLERS, her own badminton academy – the only one in the Middle East – at the young age of 25, an enterprise that now serves more than 300 both male and female. At her day job at the Norwegian Refugee Council, she uses sport as a tool to reach out to the tens of thousands of refugees whose lives have been torn apart since fleeing Syria. Dima set out to expand SHUTTLERS to reach girls and women outside of the capital city of Amman, an endeavor that was met with great support from current trainers at the academy. Her hopes to tap on the Jordanian Badminton Federation as one of the organizations in her web of support, however, was met with the temporary suspension of the federation in the beginning of 2015. Undeterred, Dima traveled to Dubai where she met with representatives from the Badminton World Federation, who vowed to provide funds for her work and connected her directly with its development department. This May, Dima participated in the prestigious She Entrepreneurs, a leadership program by the Swedish Institute for young women entrepreneurs in the Middle East, North Africa and Sweden. She was also invited to participate in her local U.S. Embassy’s fundraising strategies program. During her action plan presentation, Dima repeated this statement several times: ‘I CAN’. But more than that, she has made it her mission that other girls and women will also be able to say the same thing: ‘I CAN.’

GIRLS BREAK THE ICE – OLGA DOLININA, UKRAINE Upon conclusion of the 2014 GSMP, Olga returned home with the hopes of using ice hockey as a tool for improving the physical and psychological wellbeing of girls whose lives have been affected by the armed conflict in East Ukraine. Life had other ideas. HC Donbass, the hockey club where she worked, suspended operations soon after she got home. But Olga grew up learning life doesn’t throw you any favors and you have to make your own way – so she tapped on her newfound creativity and resilience. She expanded her initial vision to include both boys and girls suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), partnering with Ukraine’s Department of Education, the Save the Children NGO, and the International Table Hockey Federation (ITHF). This partnership led to a table hockey event for children aged three-12 in Donetsk. The event, which saw the attendance of European junior champion Roman Ignatenko, was covered widely by local media and led to television appearances for Olga. In March, Olga partnered with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the ITHF to host a similar table hockey event in Mariupol in Southeastern Ukraine. The ITHF, spurred by the success of Break The Ice, has offered to host more table hockey tournaments with Olga throughout 2015, including one in her hometown of Dnipropetrovsk. By “breaking the ice,” Olga is encouraging a generation of Ukrainians to speak openly about the challenges they are facing and to inspire hope for a peaceful future.

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MEET THE GSMP

CLASS OF 2015

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2015 EMERGING LEADERS

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Batoul Arnaout JORDAN

Carla Bustamante MEXICO

Caroline Maher EGYPT

Cecilia Vales MEXICO

Cynthia Coredo KENYA

Hanna Fauzie INDONESIA

Julie Paterson NEW ZEALAND

Katie Bourner FRANCE

Najat Alsayegh KUWAIT

Nga Le VIETNAM

Pavithra Chandra INDIA

Shanelle Barrett NEW ZEALAND

Nungshi Malik INDIA

Tashi Malik INDIA

Veronica Osogo KENYA

Yasmian Alsharshani QATAR

GlobalSportsWomen.org


2015 MENTORS

Val Ackerman BIG EAST Conference

Ann Wells Crandall BIG EAST Conference

Marina Escobar espn

Kimberly Wilson Espn

Sofia Lombardo-Ramos ketchum SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Kerry Ruggieri ketchum SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Susan Cohig nhl

Julie Eddleman google

Rhona Aime PGA of america

Angela Schmelzer PGA of america

Laura Dixon Spurs Sports & Entertainment

Gwen Conley saatchi & saatchi LA

Joan Coraggio saatchi & saatchi LA

Karen Morrison university of central florida

Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak university of central florida

Alicia McConnell usoc

Hilary Shaev NBA

Deborah Slaner Larkin women’s sports foundation

Kathryn Chappetto Women’s Tennis Association

Cindy Lupkey Women’s Tennis Association

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2015 GLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM MEET THE MATCHES NGA LE VAL ACKERMAN + Ann Wells Crandall Vietnam

Big East Conference

CARLA BUSTAMANTE MARINA ESCOBAR Mexico

ESPN

HANNA FAUZIE KIMBERLY WILSON Indonesia

ESPN

PAVITHRA CHANDRA JULIE EDDLEMAN India

Google

CAROLINE MAHER KERRY Ruggieri + SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS Egypt

Ketchum Sports & Entertainment

KATIE BOURNER HILARY SHAEV France

NBA

NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK SUSAN COHIG India

NHL

YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI RHONA AIME + Angela Schmelzer Qatar

The PGA of America

CYNTHIA COREDO GWEN CONLEY Kenya

Saatchi & Saatchi LA

SHANELLE BARRETT JOAN CORAGGIO New Zealand

Saatchi & Saatchi LA

NAJAT ALSAYEGH LAURA DIXON Kuwait

Spurs Sports & Entertainment

CECILIA VALES KAREN MORRISON + TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK Mexico

University of Central Florida

BATOUL ARNAOUT ALICIA MCCONNELL Jordan

USOC

JULIE PATERSON DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN New Zealand

Women’s Sports Foundation

VERONICA OSOGO KATHRYN CHAPPETTO + CINDY LUPKEY Kenya

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Women’s Tennis Association

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MATCHES ON THE MAP

BRISTOL, CT BRISTOL, CT CINCINNATI, OH colorado springs, co los angeles, ca los angeles, ca new york city, NY new york city, ny NEW YORK CITY, NY NEW YORK CITY, NY NEW YORK CITY, NY orlando, fl palm beach gardens, fl san antonio , tx st. petersburg, fl

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indonesia mexico INDIA jordan kenya new zealand egypt france new zealand india VIETNAM mexico qatar kuwait kenya

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NGA LE

VIETNAM

+

VAL ACKERMAN BIG EAST CONFERENCE

ANN WELLS CRANDALL BIG EAST CONFERENCE

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NGA LE

Business Development & Operations Manager XLE Group VIETNAM As a child, NGA LE did not have to practice

desperate need of a job. After working for Jollibee

humility. Born in Hue, Vietnam, in the aftermath

Corporation in marketing and customer service

of the Vietnam War, Nga only knew humble

positions, Nga had a conversation with a friend

circumstances, a result of the drastic changes in her

that changed the course of her professional life.

family’s fortunes following the end of a two decade long war.

assistant job and suggested I take her place,”

“My dad’s family was very rich before 1975

Nga says. “She introduced me to Connor Nguyen

because they worked for the United States

[CEO of XLE Group & Nga’s current employer]. At

government,” Nga says. “After the war was over,

the time, he was just a tennis coach who needed

the people who worked for the U.S. suffered for

a personal assistant. But shortly after hiring me,

the next 20 years, and my mom and dad had to

he decided to open a sports academy. During the

overcome a lot of difficulties.”

first year that I worked for him, the academy grew

Although Nga’s family continually struggled to

tremendously.”

make ends meet, they were happy, and her parents

Despite her lack of experience in the sports

always encouraged her to pursue her studies and

industry, Nga continued to excel in her role as an

make a better life for herself. As a result, Nga was

administrative assistant. She was soon promoted to

driven to succeed, not only for herself, but also for

office manager and then marketing lead at Saigon

her family and her hometown of Hue. From first

Sports Academy (SSA). When Nguyen started

through 12th grade, she finished among the top

XLE Group, a sports entertainment company

five students in her class, attending a prestigious

that oversees SSA, the Saigon Heat professional

local high school on a scholarship, and becoming

men’s basketball team, and the Vietnam University

the first student from her local high school to attend

Games, he brought Nga on as his executive

Foreign Trade University, the top university in

assistant. Since 2011, she has received four

Vietnam.

promotions, arriving at her current role as SSA

Upon graduation, Nga found herself living in Ho Chi Minh City without any financial support and in 22

“I had a friend who was leaving her personal

sports business and operations director. During her professional journey, Nga has fallen

GlobalSportsWomen.org


in love with sports, especially

By participating in the GSMP,

basketball. The game, the

Nga hopes to expand her

atmosphere, the sense of

sports business, marketing,

belonging, and the joy of

and entertainment skills while

teamwork, are what keep Nga

learning from female American

going during the hard stretches

role models. There could be

of late nights and extensive

no greater fit for Nga than

travel.

Val Ackerman and Ann Wells

Nga believes that if more girls

Crandall at the Big East.

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

I like providing something [to women that] I didn’t have when I was their age. I believe really strongly that we have a duty and

in Vietnam could be exposed to

Val is an American icon in the

basketball and other sports at a

basketball world, promoting

young age, they would not only

the sport at every level –

fall in love, but they would find

collegiately, professionally,

new confidence, strength, and

and internationally. Val’s

leadership abilities. “Women in

background as the former

that I’m not aware of either.

Vietnam need sport. It is very

president of the WNBA along

I really look at it as a

underdeveloped in our country.

with her 8 years of experience

There is still much discrimination

serving on the FIBA board

partnership.

between men and women. Men

and her current role as

receive all the attention even

commissioner of the Big East

though the women’s teams are

will be invaluable. Nga will also

winning and earning prizes. I

benefit from the incredible and

want to learn from the United

expansive business experience

professional sports. Undoubtedly,

States, your model, so that we

of Ann, Chief Marketing Officer

Val and Ann will be a dynamite

can develop sport and grow this

of the Big East. Ann has worked

one-two punch for Nga as

type of atmosphere for girls and

on marketing strategies for some

she tries to expand the game

women in my country.”

of the best organizations in the

of basketball in Vietnam and

world – from nonprofits to

beyond.

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responsibility to educate the younger people coming up. I’m eager to hear more from them and learn something

”

VAL ACKERMAN Big East Conference

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NGA LE

Business Development & Operations Manager XLE Group VIETNAM

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration

2010

Foreign Trade University; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? To serve as an inspirational and influential model to Vietnamese youth by showing them what is possible through passion and hard work. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My name is Nga, which means Russia. My brother’s name is My, which means America. My dad named me and my younger brother after 2 strong countries in the world that impacted Vietnam.

SSA Sports Business and Operations Manager XLE Group Event and Project Manager

2012 – Present

XLE Group Sales Manager

2013 – 2014

XLE Group Event and Marketing Lead XLE Group

WHOM DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My mom. I can talk freely and comfortably with her about anything.

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2014 – Present

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2010 – 2011


THE BIG THREE WITH

NGA LE VIETNAM

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To expand my knowledge about international sports business practices

2

To learn from and establish a relationship with a role model in the sports industry

3

To be a positive role model to aspiring Vietnamese youth

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I was promoted to a senior leadership role in the largest sports company in Vietnam.

2

I didn’t grow up playing sports but have grown to love and appreciate them.

3

I’m a fast learner, a strong problem solver, and a very determined person.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Open-Minded Good Communicator Team-Builder

@EWGTS

|

Good Listener Insightful Passionate

#EmpowerWomen

|

Confident Independent & Team- Oriented Determined

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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VAL ACKERMAN ANN WELLS CRANDALL Commissioner BIG EAST CONFERENCE

Chief Marketing Officer BIG EAST CONFERENCE

VAL ACKERMAN is one of the

Appointed Chief Marketing

few sports executives who has

Officer of the Big East

held leadership positions in both

Conference in September 2013,

men’s and women’s sports at the

ANN WELLS CRANDALL oversees all

collegiate, professional, national

marketing and sales initiatives.

team and international levels. Named the fifth Commissioner of the Big East Conference in June 2013, she was the founding President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a past President of USA Basketball.

Before joining the Big East, Ann was Senior Vice President of Business Development for PAC-12 Enterprises and spent 12 years at New York Road Runners (NYRR), including as its Executive Vice President of Business Development and

She was also a top athlete.

Strategic Partnerships. She has

Before earning a law degree

vast experience in sales and

from UCLA in 1985, she played

marketing campaigns, helping to

a year of professional basketball

deliver triple-digit revenue gowth

in France.

across the NYRR’s business

Val is married to Charlie Rappaport and they have two daughters.

units including its first-ever title sponsorship of the New York City Marathon. Ann is an avid runner and wine connoisseur.

FUN FACTS: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? WHAT MADE HIM/HER THE GREATEST? Val: Russ Granik (former Deputy Commissioner NBA) was smart, practical, and patient. He opened many doors for me. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Val: My grandfather, Valent, who came to USA from what was then called Czechoslovakia. HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION Ann: Yes, Barcelona DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS DO YOU HAVE? Val: Yes, one brother who is 14 months younger than me.

Ann: Yes, I have one brother and two sisters.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


THE BIG THREE WITH

VAL ACKERMAN & ANN WELLS CRANDALL BIG EAST CONFERENCE

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To provide a quality experience for our Emerging Leader

To afford our staff the chance to hear about the experiences of our Emerging Leader

3

To learn how we can do more to advance women in leadership roles in sport

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

1

We have a wide range of experiences in sports.

2

We have a lot of insight on how to become successful in a sports business.

3

We have a lot of ideas on what the future of women’s sports will look like domestically and globally.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Humble Intellectually Curious Good Work Ethic

@EWGTS

|

Knowledegable Experienced Patient

#EmpowerWomen

|

Authentic Brave Always Improving

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


CARLA BUSTAMANTE MEXICO

+

MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN

29


CARLA BUSTAMANTE

PR Director Naranjeros de Hermosillo MEXICO Imagine knowing exactly what you wanted to do

first female announcer at the Naranjeros Baseball

with your life at 11 years old and then making it

Club, and first woman to work in an executive

happen. Most children only dream of where their

position at her current organization. Carla’s

futures might take them. However, in the case of

professional journey also includes serving as a

CARLA BUSTAMANTE, she knew the path she would

television reporter, anchor, and field broadcaster

follow before she even reached high school.

for Telemax, as well as a columnist for the sports magazines Score and Béisbol Total, a freelancer

“When I was 11 years old, I won a local newspaper contest and got to be a reporter for a day for at the Caribbean Series Baseball Tournament,” Carla says. “I went to the ballpark in Hermosillo and got to interview a lot of great baseball players. When I went home, I said to my

educational achievements include a bachelor’s degree in communication sciences and a master’s degree in marketing and international business from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico.

mom, ‘I don’t want to clean my shoes, they have

In 2006, Carla took on a more behind-the-scenes

dust from the ballpark.’ I wanted to remember that

role when she joined the Naranjeros de Hermosillo

day forever. That day defined me as a person.”

Baseball Club, where she is now director of

Carla launched her professional journalism career in high school, which has resulted in a long list of firsts – first woman sportscaster for Telemax,

30

for ESPN, and a reporter for Megacable. Carla’s

public relations, handling everything from press conferences and game-day promotions to social media.

GlobalSportsWomen.org


“I became the first woman in

interactive media has become

the organization to work in an

increasingly important in her

executive position. I’m really

role for the Narajeros Baseball

thankful to my boss and the

Club. Lastly, Carla seeks to

president to trust in me, but

better understand the sport

it’s very difficult. Before, there

systems in the United States

were no women with these

and to strengthen her skills in

responsibilities,” Carla says.

marketing, promotions, and public relations.

“Previously, when I was a sportscaster, I would hear

There is no greater mentor for

comments from people like,

Carla Bustamante than Marina

‘Really a woman?’ We’re just

Escobar, Vice President of

expected to be a pretty face, and

Visual Technology at ESPN.

wear short skirts, but not actually

Marina’s zest for life, her

know about sports. As women,

passion for her profession, and

these are the challenges we face

her commitment to increasing

in sports media.”

the number of women leaders in the industry will be invaluable

In Mexico, Carla says that

to Carla and her aspirations for

mothers raise their boys to

this program. During Marina’s

become the breadwinners

27 years in television, very few

while girls are told to focus on

females in the industry were

marriage, having children, and

available to guide and support

learning domestic duties like

her professionally, especially

cooking and cleaning. But Carla

model for girls in Hermosillo who wish to pursue a career in sports.

Marina hopes she can provide the support for her Emerging Leader that she needed in the early phases of her own career.

“I want to continue inspiring

Together, we believe Carla and

women in my region to take

Marina will forge a new path for

on sports careers, despite the stereotypes and obstacles.” says Carla about her goals for the

little girls in Mexico, little girls who dream of careers in sports media and technology. “That

GSMP. Through this program, Carla hopes to gain experiences

|

”

MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN

as a mentor in this program,

and wants to become a role

@EWGTS

“

I’ve been in television for more than 27 years, and there weren’t other women to talk to at certain times with the things I was experiencing. My hope is that I can encourage young women to keep pushing forward. The opportunity to learn from young women with completely different life experiences and challenges is a gift. This will undoubtedly be a valuable learning experience for me.

in the early years. By serving

has overcome these stereotypes

in visual technology, as

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

day in the ballpark changed me. And now, I must find a

#EmpowerWomen

|

way to make that happen for

others. My dream is that after participating in this program, there will be many more girls who love baseball, football, basketball; that have opinions and voice those opinions, and ask for advice, and are part of the team.”

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

31


CARLA BUSTAMANTE PR Director Naranjeros de Hermosillo MEXICO

EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Marketing and International Business

2011

Universidad del Valle de Mexico Bachelor’s Degree, Communication Sciences

2008

Universidad de Sonora

FUN FACTS: WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? I was born on September 25th, and this year I will be 30, so I hope to celebrate it with many strong women from all over the world. HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I always dreamed of traveling to France, seeing the Eiffel Tower, getting to know the city, and going to the museums. Last year, my dream came true. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I would love to someday work as a reporter/anchor on ESPN or to work with a major league baseball team.

32

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director of Public Relations

2006 – Present

Naranjeros de Hermosillo Freelance Reporter and Coordinator

2010 – Present

ESPN

Reporter

2013 – 2014

Megacable

Columnist

2006 – 2013

www.naranjeros.com Columnist with Aca En La Primera

2008 – 2013

Sports magazine, “Beisbol Total” Anchor and Producer

2011 – 2012

TV show, “Naranja es mi color” Columnist with “Beisbol y Otros Deportes” Sports magazine, “Score”

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2008 – 2011


THE BIG THREE WITH

CARLA BUSTAMANTE MEXICO

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To challenge myself

To learn all that I can from the strong women around me

to become a better professional and a better woman

3

To implement a project in Hermosillo and influence women in my country

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I love everything about being a sports reporter.

2

I like to take notes, make lists, and when I feel confident, I like to talk.

3

I like to learn about new places.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Seeks advice Flexible Positive

@EWGTS

Inspirational Intelligent Dreamer

|

#EmpowerWomen

|

Educated Uses her voice Responsible

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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MARINA ESCOBAR Vice President Visual Technology ESPN MARINA ESCOBAR has 27 years of experience in media and was

FUN FACTS:

named ESPN’s vice-president of the visual technology group in October 2014. As head of this newly-created group, she is responsible for leading a team that takes charge of all design, development or delivery of visual

honored with a Best of Disney

technologies.

award in 2014.

She joined ESPN in March

A broadcast journalist from the

2008 as its senior director of

University of Oklahoma with

creative technology. With a

advanced studies in graphic

unique combination of design

design and theatre arts,

skills and understanding of data

Marina is a woman of many

and real-time graphics software,

talents. She was an established

she has worked on high-profile

restaurateur, owning La

projects such as the 2010 and

Pequeña Colombia from 2001

2014 FIFA World Cups, X Games

to 2008. She was recognized

and innovative projects, including

then as one of New York City’s

the EA Virtual Playbook and

“Successful Business Leaders”.

Tabletop.

She has also volunteered for the New Immigrant Community

34

Marina and her team have

Empowerment program of New

garnered many Sports Emmy

York City, helping immigrant

Awards for their technical

children through her own life

achievements, and were also

experiences.

GlobalSportsWomen.org

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I have always enjoyed running. I was on a Track and Field team in grade school and high school. To this day, I still run. It is the time when I work through challenges. My love for running has also transferred to my 8 year-old daughter. She now wants to be on a Track and Field team. Also, every year my husband, my oldest son, and I run a half marathon. My youngest children run the mile course. It is very satisfying to see my family enjoy running almost as much as I do. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? As cliché as it sounds, my mother has been and still is the most influential person in my life. She reminds me often, “Be you, be strong, and with hard work you can accomplish anything.”


THE BIG THREE WITH

MARINA ESCOBAR ESPN

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To create a plan that will offer more sports opportunities for young women globally

2

To learn from young women with completely different life experiences and challenges

3

To promote women’s equality in sports and in corporations globally

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

My parents migrated from South America looking for a better life.

I hope to continue helping women push forward.

3

I ran a Colombian restaurant in NYC where I developed leadership and boldness.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Influential & OpenMinded Willing to Invest Inspirational

@EWGTS

|

Risk-taker Flexible Change-Agent

#EmpowerWomen

|

Self-Confident & Humble Influential Inclusive

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


HANNA FAUZIE

INDONESIA

+

KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN

37


HANNA FAUZIE Sports Journalist Koran Sindo INDONESIA HANNA FAUZIE sat nervously across from the editor-in-chief of the Koran Sindo, an Indonesian newspaper distributed in nine provinces. Despite earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2002 and working as a reporter on two occasions in the past, she was fresh off three years in public relations. Hanna was convinced, however, that she was supposed to be a sports journalist. “What if I don’t put you on the sports desk?” the editor-in-chief asked. Hanna was bold, remembering when she first dreamed of this career after falling in love with sports during the 1994 World Cup. “It’s my dream—you have to help my

ask the women, ‘Do you want to be sports

dream come true,” she told him.

journalists?’ Hanna says. “They raise their hands,

Hanna’s courageous response worked. She was

the female journalist. In Indonesia, you only see

hired as the only female sports reporter for the

women presenting the quizzes and games. They

newspaper and in a decade she has covered

don’t think they can compete with male journalists

some of the most prestigious soccer tournaments

to cover the big tournaments.”

but they’re not so optimistic about the future of

in the world: the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, 2010 World Cup, and 2012 UEFA Champions League Final. She has also conducted interviews with former soccer champions, from Franz Beckenbauer and Mario Kempes to Xavi Hernandez and Alessandro del Piero. Now the managing deputy editor, Hanna is still the only woman covering sports for the Koran Sindo.

38

“Every time we visit a campus to speak, I always

Hanna grew up in Bogor, a city of one million people located in the West Java province, 37 miles from Jakarta. She is the second oldest in her family, with three sisters and one baby brother, and has always had their support, whether it was in pursuing journalism or running races as a teenager.

GlobalSportsWomen.org


“Before my brother was born, I

be more brave and take more

was coming home with bruises or

responsibility. I think a female

bleeding from playing outside,

mentor could really help me in

and my parents always put Band-

this area.”

Aids on me and told me, “You

We can think of no greater

are the boy we never had,’”

mentor for the job than

Hanna remembers.

Kimberly Wilson, Vice President

Although in her adult life she

of Affiliate Marketing Account

spends more time covering

Management at ESPN. Wilson,

the action on the field than

a two-time recipient of ESPN’s

participating in it, Hanna is

Leadership Award in Marketing,

involved with all of the Koran

is a 15-year marketing veteran,

Sindo’s sports-related events.

manages a multi-million dollar

These include the Garuda Cup, a

budget for her 11-member

sponsored soccer tournament for

team, and has a passion for

children from 8 to 13, the Run for

mentoring women of different

Cervical Cancer, and the Koran

backgrounds. This mentorship

Sindo Annual Futsal Tournament

experience with Kimberly will

for Indonesian media workers

be invaluable for Hanna as

and football fan clubs.

she learns to manage her own team and make crucial decisions

Through her participation in

on behalf of her organization.

the GSMP, Hanna hopes to

Kimberly’s expertise in

learn more about organizing

media, branding, and content

sports events to serve woman.

distribution may also help

Most importantly, though, she

Hanna develop lead stories

wants to become a mentor to female journalists throughout the country. “I still lack leadership

and profile pieces that influence external audiences to believe in

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

It’s an honor to be a part of this program. I take mentoring so seriously. I spend as much time doing it as I do on my job. For me, [the GSMP] takes it to the next level as I look at how I can continue to do the kind of work [I do with ESPN] and have a larger impact. I’m very interested in learning from someone from another culture and learning the different challenges we face – similar and different – and the best practices both ways. It’s not just, ‘What can I offer and give?’ but, ‘What can I learn?’

the power of sports for women

and decision-making skills,”

and girls.

Hanna says. “I really want to improve in these areas because

We are excited to see what’s

in my company I am the youngest

to come and the difference this

of the editorial top management.

mentorship will make in a country

I’m still not confident about

pressing for more women’s sports

making decisions that involve

opportunities and coverage.

”

KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN

many people. My editor-in-chief and vice editor tell me I have to

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

|

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

39


HANNA FAUZIE Sports Journalist Koran Sindo INDONESIA

EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree, Journalism

2002

Institut Ilmu Sosial Ilmu Politik, Jakarta, Indonesia

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be remembered as someone who made the difference, someone who inspired those around me, someone who continually bounced back every time I hit rock bottom, and someone who said that giving up is not an option. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Green. I believe it’s related to change, and it’s also such a peaceful color.

Managing Deputing Editor Koran Sindo Sports Editor

May 2008 – April 2012

Koran Sindo Sports Reporter

May 2005 – April 2008

Koran Sindo Public Relations Officer

August 2002 – February 2005

PT Noor Erika Reporter

December 2001 – July 2002

Tabloid Sehati Intern Reporter Media Indonesia

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? I used to have 4 cats named Mamat, Mimit, Pucay, and Utut, and a snake named Stripey, and an owl named Daniel.

40

April 2012 – Present

GlobalSportsWomen.org

January 2002 – December 2002


THE BIG THREE WITH

HANNA FAUZIE INDONESIA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To gain knowledge on how to address sexism in Indonesia’s media industry

To maximize my leadership skills

3

To build network among the participants

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I like to meet new people, see and learn new things, and experience new adventures.

I’m still the only female sports journalist at my company.

3

I have huge concern about migrant workers, especially women.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Inspirational Resilient Committed

@EWGTS

Thinks differently Strategic Open

|

#EmpowerWomen

|

Authentic Challenges herself Always makes improvements

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

41


KIMBERLY WILSON

Vice President Affiliate Marketing Account Management ESPN KIMBERLY WILSON Kimberly is a 15-year marketing veteran who, as vice-president of Affiliate Marketing for Disney and ESPN Media Networks, manages a multi-million dollar budget and leads a team of 11 industry-leading marketers. Before her current position, she was Senior Director of Affiliate Sales and Marketing for three years. She is currently responsible for identifying and developing innovative and cutting-edge marketing strategies to drive the organization’s distribution goals. Kimberly has also previously served as Director of Marketing for Clear Channel Radio New Orleans, Affiliate Sales Manager for Black Entertainment Television, and Affiliate Sales Consultant with MBC Cable Network. In those positions, she consistently over-delivered her annual goals and was credited with coming up with breakthrough events and increasing revenue and distribution for her companies. She is professionally affiliated with organizations like the National Association of Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, Women in Cable and Telecommunications (WICT) and National Black MBA Association. Kimberly is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Columbia College of Chicago and earned a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University where she graduated with honors. She spends much of her spare time mentoring young up-and-comers, speaking on panels and traveling.

42

GlobalSportsWomen.org

FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I was a competitive swimmer. I also played tennis and karate. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE?

That I was selfless with my time, that I worked as hard as I could, and that I was encouraging. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE?

My father. He pushed me to always be great, learn as much as I can, and to take risks.


THE BIG THREE WITH

KIMBERLY WILSON ESPN

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To establish and build a relationship that includes trust and openness with my mentee

To share my experiences in the sports/television industry

3

To provide guidance and support that will help my mentee achieve her goals

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I am committed to being better.

I love to laugh.

3

I enjoy helping others.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Great listener Willingness to share Excels in her field

Open to feedback Curious Committed

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

|

Confident Bold Surrounds herself with other strong women

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


PAVITHRA CHANDRA

INDIA

+

JULIE EDDLEMAN GOOGLE

45


PAVITHRA CHANDRA Founder & CEO B7 Sports INDIA

PAVITHRA CHANDRA grew up in a loving family of

herself to her studies, earning an MBA in marketing

four, including her parents and brother, in the city

and human resources from Mount Carmel Institute

of Gujarat before moving back to her hometown

of Management.

of Bangalore. While other girls in her apartment complex liked to sit and chat after school in the courtyard, Pavithra preferred to be active and play outdoor games. As a result, she often found herself as the only girl competing with the boys in intense neighborhood cricket matches. And as the only girl, Pavithra was often relegated to merely fetching the balls that were hit outside the compound, never given a chance to pitch or bat.

felt frustrated by the lack of organized training and attention given to the women’s game. She felt that female players were not encouraged to pursue sports as a viable career option. Further, the cultural pressure from Indian parents to prioritize academics meant that most teenagers, male and female, either dropped sports altogether or approached it as a secondary hobby. However,

Desperate to become part of the action, Pavithra

Pavithra was lucky to have very supportive parents

struck a deal with her mother. “If I earn the best

that allowed her to pursue a career in sports and

marks and finish in the top ten in my class this year,

“be the change” needed in her society.

will you please buy me my own cricket gear?” After a lot of hard work, Pavithra showed up to the neighborhood with full cricket attire and brand new equipment. She proudly puffed out her chest and told the boys, “Today, I bat all day.”

Already experienced in upper management roles with the Paralympic Committee of India and Olympic Gold Quest Foundation, Pavithra launched B7 Sports Management in 2008, where she is the CEO of the organization. She is driven to

Pavithra thanks those boys for pushing her and

change the perception of sports in Bangalore and

helping her to discover the determination she’s

throughout India.

always had to be successful inside and outside of sports. From 1997 to 2001, she was a member of the India Women’s National Basketball Team, and at the end of her athletic career she dedicated

46

Throughout her time in basketball, Pavithra always

“We work in consulting, event management, and run a sports academy,” Pavithra says. “In all of these, we emphasize the health and empowerment

GlobalSportsWomen.org


of kids and women, because they

By participating in the GSMP,

are so neglected in our society.”

Pavithra hopes to grow her abilities in securing strategic

For all of B7 Sports’ successes

partnerships, marketing her

during its seven-year existence,

program, and attaining buy-

challenges have always been

in from key stakeholders,

present. An Indian blueprint

including parents, neighborhood

for how to have success in the

authorities, corporate sponsors,

sports field doesn’t exist, and

sports associations, government,

few mentors are available to guide Pavithra in her professional journey. Currently, Pavithra is

and other NGOs. We believe Julie Eddleman, Global Client Partner at Google, is the

searching for new strategies

perfect mentor for the job. With

and insights on how to work

Julie’s extensive background

with government to influence policymaking and create the type of lasting change that Title IX has in the United States.

in marketing and promotions, her passion for women’s empowerment, her mentorship experience and investment in this program, and Google’s vast

“Every change we’ve made has

global presence, we believe

been met with some resistance,” Pavithra says. “But, I know that if we take a step back, we’d never go anywhere. We want to be an example for other women and community programs in our city and in our country.”

Pavithra will find exactly what she needs to make her dreams a reality. We are excited to see

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

This mentorship experience has been absolutely amazing. Besides raising my children, it’s the most important and meaningful thing I’ve done in my 44 years. The three women I’ve mentored have become a part of my family. So it has meant everything in the world to me.

what these two visionaries dream together and the ways it will change the future for Bangalore and beyond.

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

|

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

”

JULIE EDDLEMAN Google

47


PAVITHRA CHANDRA Founder & CEO B7 Sports INDIA

EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Business Administration

2004

Mount Carmel Institute of Management Bachelor’s Degree, Economics

Khalsa College, Gurunanak Dev University

FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? To see India transformed into a strong sporting nation with B7 Sports acting as a major catalyst WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My coach, Mr. B.S. Gautham – former captain of the Indian Men’s Basketball Team because of his simplicity, respect for others, ethics, discipline, intrinsic training, and his belief in my potential. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Yellow, because it’s a lovely, bright, and positive color indicating optimism, happiness, and energy

48

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Founder and CEO

2008 – Present

B7 Sports

Conference Lead

2011 – Present

B7 Sports Academy

Director of Operations

2009

Paralympic Committee of India

Founder B7 Consulting & Events Promotion

2008

Director of Operations Olympic Gold Quest

2007

Director of Consulting and Operations

2006

Synergy Sports Management Consultants

Manager of Customer Relations

2004 – 2005

ITC Windsor Sheraton & Towers

Executive Assistant to Chief of Sports Sambhram Group’s Educational Institutions

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2003 – 2004


THE BIG THREE WITH

PAVITHRA CHANDRA INDIA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To apply the lessons I learn so I can improve conditions in my home country

To learn effective mentorship skills to empower others in my community

3

To establish relationships with other empowered women from across the world

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I’m passionate about everything related to sports, especially basketball.

I’m open and receptive to new ideas and methods of learning.

3

I would love to visit sports teams and sports organizations in the U.S.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Sets Goals Acquires Knowledge Perseveres

@EWGTS

|

Invested Good Communicator Accomplished

#EmpowerWomen

|

Encouraging Bold Problem-Solver

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

49


GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

JULIE EDDLEMAN

Director Global Client and Agency Solutions GOOGLE JULIE EDDLEMAN is a Director on the Global Client and Agency Solutions team, which aims to accelerate brands by being the one-stop, digital shop for marketers and agencies, delivering unprecedented, holistic, online brand-building solutions to help marketers tame the web. In this role she focuses on overseeing the relationships with top global advertisers. Julie came to Google from P&G where she was the Marketing Director of North America Brand Operations, running the company’s

Julie with 2014 GSMP Alumna Paula Korsakas of Brazil

$35 billion brand portfolio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs in 1992 and her Master of Science in Consumer Behavior in 1995, both from Purdue. She currently lives in Cincinnati with her spouse, Diane Cummins, where she enjoys watching and participating in sports of all kinds and having fun in a variety of ways with her five children.

FUN FACTS: NAME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have five kids aged 5-29. HAVE YOU EVER MET SOMEONE FAMOUS? I’ve had formal dinners with the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, and the last man on the moon, Gene Cernan. HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL? I’ve flown about 300,000 miles this past year globally for Google.

Julie with 2012 GSMP Alumna Cassia Damiani of Brazil

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Julie with 2013 GSMP Alumna Daniela Castro of Brazil

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THE BIG THREE WITH

JULIE EDDLEMAN GOOGLE

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

Provide a rich and meaningful experience for the Emerging Leader

Introduce the Emerging Leader to new networks, resources, & ideas

3

Share the Emerging Leader’s dreams, experiences, & talents

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I love Purdue and will always be proud to be a Purdue Boilermaker.

I love my family.

3

I love this program. It makes me a better person.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Good sense of humor Inquisitive Open-Minded

@EWGTS

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Good sense of humor Good listener Supportive

#EmpowerWomen

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Puts life in perspective Committed Hopeful visionary

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CAROLINE MAHER

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EGYPT

KERRY RUGGIERI

KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SOFIA LOMBARDORAMOS

KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT 53


CAROLINE MAHER HR Manager Peugeot; HELM EGYPT

Two years ago, CAROLINE MAHER became the first

Her parents, supportive throughout her entire

woman of Arab, Egyptian and African descent to

athletic career, told her to summon the energy to

be inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame. The

contest the charges. Caroline raised the money

achievement was especially significant to Caroline

necessary to hire a lawyer and took her case to the

because of the difficult obstacles she overcame

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne,

prior to her induction.

Switzerland.

By her mid-twenties, Caroline was an Egyptian

In the end, it was worth it. The CAS ruled in her

martial arts icon; ranked as high as third overall

favor and cited several examples of misconduct,

in her weight class by the World Taekwondo

including “lack of any reliable evidence,” ordering

Federation (WTF), with more than 130 medals in

the WTF to reimburse Caroline for her legal fees.

38 countries collected in national, regional and

“Through this I learned that you should never,

international competitions dating back to the age

ever give up,” Caroline says. “If I didn’t stand for

of 10. But, after these successes she unexpectedly

myself, I would’ve lived my whole life dealing with

came under investigation for suspected use of

the shame even though I was falsely accused. If

performance enhancing drugs. “In December

you’re right, you have to fight for yourself.”

2010, as part of the out-of-competition anti-doping process several players on the Egyptian taekwondo national team were asked to give urine samples for the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA). Shockingly only after travelling back to Egypt from the World Championships in May 2011, I was informed by the national team doctor that my sample tested positive, thus the coaches did not call me up for the upcoming events and camps.” After hearing the news of a two-year suspension, Caroline felt the ground shaking beneath her feet.

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Caroline, who completed her MBA in human resources management from Victoria University in Switzerland in early 2015, continues to be involved with taekwondo, on top of her full-time role as a human resource manager for CDCM, sole proprietor of Peugeot in Egypt. She also volunteers with Helm, a non-profit organization for people with disabilities, in which she aims to introduce new disability sports programs. She recently approached the Egyptian Taekwondo Federation about launching a Para-taekwondo national

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team in time for the 2016 Rio Paralympics. “I don’t have the hands-on experience with Parasports, but no one in Egypt really does, so I have not been able to get much advice,” Caroline says. “The GSMP will give me the valuable insights on how to get ahead with my project, to avoid re-inventing the wheel.” Caroline with the combination

Caroline is unafraid of

of passion, innovation, and

challenges. She is the youngest

support that she needs to fight

manager at CDCM sole

for women and people with

proprietor for Peugeot. After

disabilities in Egypt. Kerry and

appealing her unwarranted

Sofia are creative geniuses and

suspension, she returned

masterful storytellers who have

to win two more Egyptian,

launched some of the best public

Arab and African taekwondo

relations campaigns in the world.

championships. She was also

This team will undoubtedly help

honored earlier in 2014 with

Caroline craft her own story

the UN Award “Women of

and find creative ways to use

Achievement” among 25 other

her platform as an elite athlete

women worldwide due to her

to drive social change. With

achievements in various fields.

Ketchum’s incredible global

With the conviction that she can

reach, including an office in

overcome anything, Caroline

Cairo, we see this relationship

wants to use the sport she has

extending far beyond the

fought to keep in her life to

conclusion of the program. We

change the lives of millions of persons with disabilities in Egypt.

are excited to see how Caroline, Kerry, and Sofia combine

Working with Kerry Ruggieri,

their creative energies and

Senior Vice President, and

relentless spirits to develop new

Sofia Lombardo-Ramos, Vice

opportunities for girls, women,

President, at Ketchum Sports

and persons with disabilities in

& Entertainment will provide

Egypt.

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

It’s on a rare occasion that we get these great partnerships that mean something and really invigorate our group to think more broadly and worldly. These candidates really are the most passionate and determined, and I think those characteristics marry back to what Ketchum can offer them.

”

SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS

Ketchum Sports & Entertainment

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facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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CAROLINE MAHER HR Manager Peugeot; HELM EGYPT

EDUCATION Master’s Degree in Business Administration

2015

Major in Human Resource Management Victoria University; Neuchâtel, Switzerland Professional Diploma – Train the Trainer (TOT)

FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to inspire people to become better and to believe that they can change the world for the better. If each and every person did – especially females who are future mothers – the world will definitely change to the better. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? My two favorite subjects were Physical Education as it fulfilled my passion toward sports and the second was mathematics as I’m in love with numbers. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, six dogs: Tosca, Leo, Bubu, Tikila, Moca & Godzi

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2015

Brilliance Business School Victoria University; Neuchâtel, Switzerland Human Resources Management Diploma

2013

Regional Information Technology Institute (RITI) Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication

2009

American University in Cairo (AUC); Cairo, Egypt

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Human Resources Director

2014 – Present

2012 – Present

2011 – 2014

Summer 2013

PEUGEOT Egypt Human Resources Manager HELM Human Resources Manager Tatweer for Learning Technology Human Resources Consultant Children’s Cancer Hospital Human Resources Projects Coordinator Children’s Cancer Hospital

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2009 – 2011


THE BIG THREE WITH

CAROLINE MAHER EGYPT

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To gain knowledge in the disability sports field to benefit my country

2

To gain insight on advancing my project in disability sports

3

To build a network that offers opportunities to grow personally and professionally

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

My aspirations have no ceiling, and I am iron-willed.

2

I demand excellence by working hard and never giving up.

3

I want to change the lives of people with disabilities for the better.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Determined Passionate Quick to learn

@EWGTS

Inspirational Good Communicator Accepting

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#EmpowerWomen

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Persistant Bold & Courageous Independent

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KERRY RUGGIERI

Senior Vice President Group Manager KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS

Vice President

Group Manager KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

KERRY RUGGIERI has spent her

SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS has

entire career with Ketchum

worked on a variety of accounts

Sports & Entertainment, working

since joining Ketchum in 2004,

with clients around the world to

specializing in traditional and

execute brand campaigns and

sports media relations with an

sponsorship activations, including

emphasis on pop culture and

the Olympic Games, the FIFA

sports business. Sofia has played

World Cup, NASCAR, and more.

an active leadership role for

Kerry has a particular focus in issues and crisis preparation and management and worked alongside P&G’s communications team leading into Sochi. Currently, she consults on the group’s top clients, bringing a global view and strategic focus for a range of Fortune 500 companies. Kerry resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and two young boys.

on-site coordination at largescale events such as the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and various NASCAR, soccer, and baseball events. Currently Sofia is spearheading espnW’s 2015 media relations campaign and preparing for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for various clients. Sofia is a native New Yorker and lives with her husband on the Upper East Side.

FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Kerry: Yes! Everything… jack of all trades, master of none. Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, dance, skiing, and tennis. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Sofia: I would be “Robins Egg Blue” – a standout shade! WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING DO YOU LIVE BY? Sofia: “Dolce Fa Niente” (delicious idleness) – I even have a tattoo of the phrase on my arm! WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Kerry: To see my boys grow into good, kind men and share many adventures with them and their dad around the world!

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


THE BIG THREE WITH

KERRY RUGGIERI & SOFIA LOMBARDO-RAMOS KETCHUM SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To provide inspiration with a global perspective on women and sports

To cultivate longterm relationships

3

To learn from our mentee and help bring passion to life

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

Kerry: I believe the most rewarding part of a career are the people you influence along the way.

Kerry: I love learning and evolving as a professional. Feedback helps me grow.

3

Sofia: I really CARE about my work and like to see my team succeed.

QUALITIES of an QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT EMPOWERED WOMAN: MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: Good Listener Trustworthy Maximizes others’ potential

Passionate Efficient Curious

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Adventure-Seeking Confident Team-Oriented

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KATIE BOURNER FRANCE

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HILARY SHAEV NBA

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KATIE BOURNER President Nantes Derby Girls FRANCE In the office, her colleagues call

everything in her life now is a

her Katie. But on the track, she’s

means to roller derby and aiding

known as “PsychoKat,” a fearless

its expansion throughout France

warrior who is eager to create

and the rest of Europe. On top

roller derby leagues for women

of her full-time job as a customer

throughout France.

relations officer for Generali

KATIE BOURNER, a British-born Frenchwoman, was introduced to the sport of roller derby through a friend who saw it in action for the first time in Canada. Anxious to see a game, Katie searched

Nantes Derby Girls, Katie is also the French liaison to the Woman’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association, the international governing body for the sport.

the Internet for roller derby

“Because roller derby is a new

leagues but couldn’t find any

sport, and it’s a female sport,

in her town of Nantes. She did,

people aren’t afraid to give

however, find a team in Paris

it a go,” Katie says. “It’s not

and quickly packed her bags

like basketball. If you’ve never

to see this curious new sport.

played basketball as a child, you

Inspired by her meeting with the

probably won’t start when you’re

women on the team in Paris, she

20 because it’s a sport people

returned home and founded with

have played their whole life.

her partner Nantes Derby Girls,

That’s intimidating. But with roller

where she currently serves as a

derby, it’s different. Everyone

player and president.

is learning as an adult, which is

Despite having a master’s degree

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France, and her roles with the

what makes it appealing.”

in professional analyses and

After five years of development,

social interventions, Katie says

sports federations in France are GlobalSportsWomen.org


only just starting to recognize

on TV. In order to achieve these

roller derby as an official

goals, she hopes to use her time

sport, which means it receives

in the GSMP to learn about

no government funding or

marketing, promotions, public

regulation. Many upstart leagues

relations, fan growth, and

also cannot find training spaces,

strategic planning.

due to the lack of facilities, leading teams to practice outside all year round, regardless of

As Katie seeks to grow the “game,” there is no one in the industry better than Hilary

weather.

Shaev, Vice President of

Although she wants the sport

Marketing Operations at the

to maintain its purity, Katie

National Basketball Association

believes roller derby can serve

(NBA), to support her on this

an important role in women’s

journey. Hilary has extensive

empowerment, inclusion, and the

experience in marketing and

development of positive body

promotions, both in the music

image for thousands of women in

business as well as the sports

her country.

world. She was instrumental

“Roller derby is amazing because you have so many women from

National Basketball Association (WNBA) and also developing

so many different backgrounds

the WNBA Pride platform.

competing – every shape and

Like Katie, Hilary is passionate

size has a role. And yes, it’s

about advancing women’s

competitive and aggressive but it’s also empowering. It’s probably the only team sport that was actually created by women and it is at the moment the fastest growing sport in the world!”

“

Ultimately, they’re coming here to work with us for a project. But, at the same time we should be giving them exposure to the different aspects of our business that might help them and providing a broad overview of what happens here at the

sports, especially in the area

NBA. It’s very immersive.

of fan growth. Both Katie and

And, I’m excited to be a part

Hilary have worked diligently

of something that matters.

”

to promote sport for women in

HILARY SHAEV NBA

tough markets, but ultimately, have been successful in their

Within the next five years, Katie is driven to ensure that junior roller derby is introduced throughout see added structure and a growth in the standard of trainers, officials and facilities. Ultimately, her dream is to see roller derby

|

efforts – growing both women’s basketball here in the U.S. and women’s roller derby in France. We are excited to watch these

the country. She also wants to

@EWGTS

in rebranding the Women’s

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

two power players expand the market for roller derby fans, participants, sponsors, and media

forward to the way this sport can create an empowering space for girls and women of every shape, size, and age in France and beyond.

outlets. Ultimately, we look

#EmpowerWomen

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KATIE BOURNER President Nantes Derby Girls FRANCE

EDUCATION Master’s Degree in Prof. Analyses & Social Interventions

2011

UFR Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines; Angers, France Bachelor’s Degree in Human and Social Sciences

2007

Université Poitiers; Leon, France

FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My mum because she’s a fun-loving person, always enthusiastic, and pushes me to believe in my dreams. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be a simple grey pencil. All you need is a pencil. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I just want to be remembered as a lovely, caring, and helpful person. Right now, I mostly want my association, Nantes Derby Girls, to live on and continue to be a well recognized element in French and European roller derby.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Customer Relations Officer

January 2015

2014 – Present

Generali France WFTDA French Ambassador

Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association WFTDA Translation Committee

2014 – Present

2012 – Present

Member French Representative at EROC European Roller Derby Conference President

Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association

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2010 – Present


THE BIG THREE WITH

KATIE BOURNER FRANCE

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To learn marketing techniques so I can develop roller derby as an official sport in France

To learn new ways of helping adult women get back into sports

3

To learn about American sports and apply ideas to roller derby in France

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I am hard-working, passionate, honest, open-minded, a good listener, and I always put others first.

2

I’m shy at first, but I have no problem speaking my mind or being in front of a group.

3

I learn by talking, experiencing, and doing. I love problemsolving, spreadsheets, and planning.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Open-Minded Passionate Takes initiative

@EWGTS

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Good Listener Available Guides

#EmpowerWomen

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Hard-Working Determined Selfless

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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HILARY SHAEV Vice President Marketing NBA

As Vice President of Marketing for the NBA, HILARY SHAEV oversees Marketing Operations at the league. She’s responsible for managing the budget, staffing, communications and workflow across a department that handles market research, international marketing, strategy & integration, and advertising & media. Before 2015, Hilary oversaw all marketing initiatives for the WNBA, including brand management, marketing strategy, and promotion of events and platforms. She recently guided the league’s brand identity update and developed the WNBA Pride program. She also handled marketing for the NBA Development League. Shaev joined the NBA in March 2008 after a successful career in the music business, where she held Executive Vice President of Promotion posts at Capitol Music Group, Virgin Records, and Sony Music’s Epic Records. In these roles, Shaev developed and executed promotional campaigns nationally for all artists on each label’s roster, including Janet Jackson, Norah Jones, Lenny Kravitz, and Celine Dion. A Duke University graduate, Shaev was named a Top Woman in Music by Billboard Magazine in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

FUN FACTS: IF YOU COULD HAVE SPECIAL ABILITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? To not be tired with less sleep, so I could live more in each day. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE? My daily home workouts IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? Hillary Clinton since it’s her moment in time DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Playing the piano and making the best mixes

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


THE BIG THREE WITH

HILARYNBASHAEV

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To expose our Emerging Leader to NBA and WNBA marketing and operations

To provide a quality and fun learning experience for our Emerging Leader

3

To help our Emerging Leader with her Action Plan

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

My current role is VP/Marketing Operations, but I worked in the WNBA business for 7 years.

I really enjoyed rebranding the WNBA and developing the WNBA Pride platform.

3

I have a son heading to college and a 10th-grade daughter who plays a lot of basketball.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Visionary Open-Minded Honest

@EWGTS

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Leader Listener Patient

#EmpowerWomen

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Unwavering Integrity Goal-Oriented Bold

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK

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INDIA

SUSAN COHIG NHL

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NUNGSHI AND TASHI MALIK

Mountaineers & Co-Founders NungshiTashi Foundation INDIA In the history of mountaineering, less than 50 people have completed the Adventurer’s Grand Slam, which entails a summit of the seven highest peaks on each continent, and reaching the North and South Poles. NUNGSHI AND TASHI MALIK of India — also the first siblings and twins to do so — make up two of the 50 to have accomplished the feat. Born in the state of Haryana in the northern part of India, the sisters began their career as explorers after finishing secondary school. Their father, a

mountains “cast a spell” on them both, as Nungshi

retired military officer who had moved the family

puts it. But, from the outset of their journey as

throughout India during his career, signed his

mountaineers, Tashi and Nungshi knew pursuing

daughters up for a basic course in mountaineering.

sport as a career would be a huge cultural

“That turned into a very good chance for us to

challenge.

explore the outdoors,” Tashi says. “And it was a very good opportunity because we got to do it together.”

our family said, ‘Girls don’t take up sports like mountaineering,’ Nungshi says. “Mom was quite

Nungshi and Tashi are inseparable. Since

worried about us, so for three years she stopped

childhood, the two of them have attended the

us from climbing. There was this pressure on her

same schools, completing bachelor’s degrees in

from our community about why she was letting her

journalism and mass communication from Sikkim

daughters do this.”

Manipal University, and receiving certificates in peacebuilding from SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont in 2012. They share the same passion for dancing, music, and athletics, and can telepathically finish each other’s sentences. The 70

“When we first spoke about Everest, everyone in

Outside of the major cities in India, Nungshi and Tashi say women are solely prized for their domestic capabilities. When it comes to sports, women are deemed incompetent or unfit.

GlobalSportsWomen.org


Male children are also highly

in terms of entrepreneurship,

prioritized over girls because

and we know we’ll have the

of norms dictating that after

opportunity to learn from

marriage a woman leaves to

women with an abundance of

join her in-laws’ family and, thus,

experience.”

is no longer able to provide

As the twins look for ways to

financial support to her parents.

market their foundation, they

“Women are born with

will rely heavily on Susan

mountains to climb,” Tashi

Cohig, Senior Vice President

says, “and that has become

of Integrated Marketing and

our inspiration for climbing the

her team at the NHL. Susan’s

mountains outside.”

extensive background in

Nungshi and Tashi have spoken

marketing, sponsorships, and

extensively throughout India

branding will expose the Malik’s

on women’s empowerment,

to new skills that will propel their

including a TEDx talk in New

foundation forward. Susan’s

Delhi, and have been honored

long-term investment in the

by the President of India and the

GSMP not only demonstrates

Chief Ministers of Uttarakhand,

her commitment to empowering

Haryana and Delhi. In January

women, but also defines her as

2015, the sisters were named

a seasoned veteran in cause-

brand ambassadors for the

related strategic planning. At the

Uttarakhand government’s

NHL, the Malik’s will learn how

Save the Girl Child campaign

to address community issues and

to improve high rates of female

social responsibility through the

infant mortality and infanticide in

NHL Foundation. As one of the

the state.

only female senior executives in a male sports league, Susan’s

To continue supporting their

professional and personal

efforts, Nungshi and Tashi

journey will inspire the Malik’s to

hope to learn more about

continue carving out their space

marketing, sports management,

as females in the mountaineering

and fundraising through their

world. We look forward to the

participation in the GSMP. “Although we have ideas on how to approach our plans, we lack experience on a larger scale,” Nungshi says. “We’re novices

@EWGTS

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mountains these women will

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

For me, this program is about voice. It’s about women having a voice in their own circumstances, it’s about self-determination, both personally and professionally. If you don’t have a diversity of voices at the table, we are not going to be able to solve we collectively face.

climb together and the ways this partnership will inspire a new generation of females in India.

#EmpowerWomen

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”

the problems and issues that

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

SUSAN COHIG NHL

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NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK Mountaineers & Co-Founders NungshiTashi Foundation INDIA

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication

2013

Sikkim Manipal University; Gangtok, Sikkim, India Certificate of Peace Building

2012

School for International Training; Brattleboro, Vermont

FUN FACTS: WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? Tashi: Our father. He supported us and provided a nurturing, liberating environment where we could develop without being constrained by gender considerations. He encouraged us to dream big and to follow our heart.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Guinness Book of World Records, Mountain Climbing Climbed Seven Summits Skiing

2014

World’s first twins to complete last degree ski to South Pole State Icon Selected by Uttarakhand Election Commission

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Nungshi: To make India an ‘outdoor nation’ and empower women through mountaineering and adventure DO YOU PREFER TO BE BEHIND THE CAMERA OR IN FRONT OF IT? Nungshi: I love to be in front of the camera!

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2014

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2014


THE BIG THREE WITH

NUNGSHI & TASHI MALIK INDIA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To explore entrepreneurship opportunities in sport

3

To network with

To foster new

successful women

partnerships for

entrepreneurs in

projects that focus on

sport and business

sports for women

THREE THINGS WE WANT OUR MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT US:

I

We have big dreams and lots of ideas but lack entrepreneurship experience.

2

We are independent and have good leadership qualities.

3

Tashi: I am more of an introvert. Nungshi: I am more outspoken.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Empathetic Catalyst Knowledgeable

@EWGTS

Self-Aware Achiever Team-Oriented

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#EmpowerWomen

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Educated Financially Independent Confident & Bold

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GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

SUSAN COHIG

Senior Vice President Integrated Marketing NHL

SUSAN COHIG wears many hats as the NHL’s Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing, and working with the NHL’s corporate partners is perhaps the largest one. Once the league signs an advertising deal with a corporation, it’s Susan and her partnership marketing groups who make sure the company’s advertising vision is executed to perfection. Susan also manages the NHL’s club services, working with each team in the league on its sales and marketing, as well as its business operations issues. It’s also Susan’s job to make sure the playoff teams are ready to take full advantage of the success that comes their way.

Susan Cohig with 2014 GSMP Alumna Olga Dolinina of Ukraine

Susan started out in marketing at a family of radio stations in Denver. From that opportunity she was recruited to work in the sponsorship group at the Denver Nuggets and was tapped to run the department a year later. Her management team orchestrated the move of the NHL Quebec Nordiques to Denver and launched them as the Colorado Avalanche. Through that experience and with the team winning the Stanley Cup in its inaugural season, she had the opportunity to work closely with the NHL’s league office. Through that interaction, she relocated to the NHL in New York when an opportunity became available with NHL.com. During her time with the NHL, her role has evolved and expanded to encompass marketing, club services, sales, partnership marketing, and legal/compliance matters. The latter enabled her to make use of the law degree she earned while working at the NHL.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org

FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I play a killer game of foosball. NAME SOMETHING EXCITING YOU DID LAST YEAR. I ran my first marathon – the New York Marathon – last year. HOW OLD IS YOUR DAUGHTER? My daughter is 10 years old, and she constantly amazes me.


THE BIG THREE WITH

SUSAN COHIG NHL

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

Understand the challenges our ELs have in their country that we take for granted

To support our ELs in the development of an effective Action Plan

3

Empower our ELs to know they can break barriers in all aspects of their lives

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I have a 10 year-old daughter that constantly amazes me.

I ran my first marathon last year (The New York Marathon!).

3

I play a killer game of foosball.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Asks questions and listens Helps others Involves everyone

Inquisitive Hard worker Patient

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Leans In Asks questions and listens Resilient

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI

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QATAR

RHONA AIME PGA OF AMERICA

ANGELA SCHMELZER PGA OF AMERICA

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YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI

Director Qatar Golf Ladies & Yasmian Events QATAR At twenty-nine years old, YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI is a trailblazer, a pioneer, not only for the game of golf, but for women athletes in the Middle East. As one of only three registered female golfers in Qatar, Yasmian is forging new paths for Muslim women to pursue sport with grace, dignity, and honor. According to Yasmian, the peace she finds on the golf course gives her greater appreciation and perspective for the challenges she faces in life. Golf is her “great escape,” a time to reflect and be one in body, spirit, and mind.

her academic career and position as the events manager for the Qatar Museum Authority.

“In life, sometimes you have stress from outside, and when you have golf you have peace,” Yasmian says. “Golf has taught me how to focus and listen to people. It’s given me a strong character. Everyday there are different shots on the course, and there are new people to meet, so I

Yasmian understands that her story is unique and admits that it is often lonely being the only woman on the course. Opportunities for females to compete in sports in her country are limited, although she is fortunate to come from a family of

am always learning something new.”

dedicated athletes. Her father was a swimmer and

The sole female member of the Qatari National

her sister is a Qatari skeet-shooting champion.

jockey, her brother is a competitive drag racer and

Golf team, Yasmian has her sights set on representing her country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where golf returns after a 112 year absence. Since turning professional in 2008, she has competed in and won a handful of regional

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and local tournaments throughout Qatar, balancing

“It’s good for a person to know about the value of sport, for your mind and your life,” Yasmian says. “Most of the girls and women here, they go to school and then they go home and do not go

GlobalSportsWomen.org


outside. They have free time, and

“I want to continue playing

if we give them sport they can

golf for at least one more year,

use that time in a better way.”

then focus on my business” Yasmian says. “For that, I need

In 2013, Yasmian founded

to learn more about marketing,

Qatar Golf Ladies (QGL), the

how to attract more people to

first women’s center for golf in

participate in the sport, and

Qatar and the Middle East. The

to broaden my reach to other

organization pursues community

organizations in Qatar.”

engagement through cultural and educational activities,

Rhona Aime, Chief Financial

and includes social, health

Officer, and Angela Schmelzer,

and recreational elements for

Player Development Program

women and children. Months

Operations Coordinator, at the

after launching QGL, Yasmian

PGA of America are perfectly

was awarded the 2013

suited for this job. With their

Businesswoman of the Year

commitment to growing the

award at the fourth annual Qatar

game of golf and expertise

International Businesswomen

in marketing and player

Forum.

development, we trust the PGA of America can help Yasmian make

Yasmian plans to launch her own company, Yasmian Events, following the conclusion

her dreams a reality. In addition, Rhona’s business savvy coupled with Angela’s management and

of the GSMP. With her experience during GSMP as the springboard, she will also draw on her prior business and event management background and master’s degree knowledge in organization and management in 2015 from the International Olympic Academy to take on this endeavor. The company will focus on spreading awareness of the benefits of golf and other

event expertise will undoubtedly make this experience a personal and professional milestone for

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

I’m tremendously supportive and excited about this program. There’s a cultural awareness and exchange that occurs between all of us, which is invaluable. For [our staff] to see women leading

Yasmian as she develops her own

effectively in what is largely a

women’s golf organization. We

male-dominated sport in this

look forward to watching future

country, at the table with male

generations of Qatari women

colleagues and shoulder-to-

take to the greens, living out

shoulder at those meetings, is

Yasmian’s dreams and the PGA’s

so important.

vision to advance golf throughout

sports throughout Qatar.

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

”

RHONA AIME PGA of America

the world.

|

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI Director Qatar Golf Ladies & Yasmian Events QATAR

EDUCATION Master’s Degree, Olympic Sport Management

2015

International Olympic Academy Diploma, International Relations and Diplomacy

2012

Academy Alfursan; London, England

FUN FACTS: WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I increased women’s participation in sport and won several Olympic medals IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Red, because it is a vibrant and an active color and because it draws attention. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My mother. She has been patient and devoted to me. She always supports me in training and competition.

Diploma, Office Management New Horizons Qatar; Doha, Qatar Bachelor’s Degree, Education

2008

Qatar University; Doha, Qatar

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director Qatar Golf Ladies

2013 – Present

Events Manager Qatar Museum Authority

2011 – Present

Senior Documents Manager for Communications

2011

Asian Cup Qatar

Documents Controller Maersk Oil Qatar

2009 – 2011

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, 3 cats: Lucky, Meyave, and Tania

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2010

GlobalSportsWomen.org


THE BIG THREE WITH

YASMIAN ALSHARSHANI QATAR

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To gain more knowledge about global sports

To enhance my leadership skills

3

To learn more about marketing and attracting more female participants in sport

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I am trying to spread the culture of golf & the importance of sports for women in my country.

2

I operate my own sport business “Yasmian Events.”

3

I am from a country where sports for girls are limited to aerobics & walking.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Energetic Courageous Goal-Oriented

@EWGTS

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Good Listener Knowledgeable Good Communicator

#EmpowerWomen

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Self-Confident Speaks well Good Listener

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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ANGELA SCHMELZER

RHONA AIME CFO PGA OF AMERICA

Player Development Coordinator

PGA OF AMERICA

As the Chief Financial Officer

With a degree in PGA Golf

of the PGA of America, RHONA

Management from Eastern

AIME oversees all financial and

Kentucky University and a desire

information technology matters

to give back to the game she

for the world’s largest sports

competed in during high school,

organization. Aime brings more

ANGELA SCHMELZER accepted a

than 20 years experience with top

position at the PGA of America in

multinational companies to her

September 2013. In her current

senior leadership role. Previously,

role, she provides comprehensive

Aime managed all aspects of

PGA member support for key

finance for Group Danone, a

Player Development initiatives.

Paris-based multinational food-

Angela is thrilled to have the

products corporation, after

opportunity to work for the largest

spending nearly 12 years with The

working sports organization in the

Coca-Cola Company.

world, where her goal is to grow

A native of Scotland, Aime

the game of golf.

earned a Bachelor’s Degree in

Angela currently lives in Palm

Mathematics before earning her

Beach Gardens, FL. When she is

Accounting Certification. She and

not at work or on the golf course,

her husband, Jorge, live in South

Angela spends her time as a

Florida. They have two children,

recreational boater, cruising the

Camila and Stefano.

waters of South Florida.

FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Rhona: My really big dream is to have true equality for women worldwide. On a personal level, I want to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Rhona: Geography, especially social geography. I’m an avid traveler, and I’ve always been fascinated by the social variations and evolutions throughout different regions of the world. DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU’RE IN NOW? Angela: Yes, when I realized all the opportunities golf had to offer, I knew immediately I wanted to pursue a career in it. I loved the game so why not make it my career! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF YES, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Angela: Yes, Layla, a chihuahua.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


THE BIG THREE WITH

RHONA AIME & ANGELA SCHMELZER PGA OF AMERICA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To provide our Emerging Leader with great resources & experiences

To help her with her Action Plan and to continue advancing women’s sports across the world

3

To remain actively involved with her and to learn from her experiences

THREE THINGS WE WANT OUR EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT US:

2

1

Angela: I didn’t come from a golf family. I took the game up on my own.

Rhona: I believe educating and empowering women is key to improving ANY society.

3

Rhona: I have lived and worked in underdeveloped countries where women face extreme discrimination.

QUALITIES of an QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT EMPOWERED WOMAN: MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: Open-Minded Passionate Relationship-Builder

@EWGTS

|

Confident Honest Knowledgeable

#EmpowerWomen

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Independent Courageous & Kind Strategic & Committed

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


CYNTHIA COREDO

+

KENYA

GWEN CONLEY

SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA

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CYNTHIA COREDO

Boxgirls Kenya Program Manager KENYA Unlike the girls that participate in

earning a scholarship to study in

her programs, CYNTHIA COREDO

secondary school. However, her

is not a boxer. But, she may have

mother soon passed away from

the hardest chin in the gym. Born

depression, and in 2006 her

in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya,

sister also died from tuberculosis.

Cynthia has taken life’s jabs and

It seemed that whenever her

uppercuts since she was 11, but

circumstances improved, another

has powered through to emerge

unexpected punch hit her

on the other side of the chaos.

hard. But, none were strong

“I was very young, and one day

determination.

in boxing programs and equip

the way to the market to buy

“I had to work very hard and

and confidence needed to create

milk and bread, when we saw a

depend on myself,” Cynthia

positive social change. One year

crowd surrounding the street,”

says. “But, I remember at one

later, Cynthia joined full-time as

Cynthia recalls. “And the crowd

point I was sweeping our school

the program manager to support

was saying, ‘Look, this man is

compound and I said to myself,

this underfunded organization

dead.’ And from that moment

‘Cynthia, one day you’re going

which has since reached more

everything changed. It was my

to be a global woman for global

than 1,000 girls and young

father.”

works and you will touch the lives

women around Nairobi through

of young women the way your

the sport of boxing.

my older sister and I were on

One of four siblings, with another on the way, her mother sent her

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enough to shake her faith and

life is being touched now.’”

them with the leadership skills

In her current position, Cynthia

and her older sister from Nairobi

In 2008, Cynthia began working

coordinates sport and leadership

to live with their grandmother

as a volunteer tutor with Boxgirls

programs aimed at making girls

in a small village. Cynthia

Kenya, a startup organization

stronger, more confident, and

attended an orphan’s school

created to engage women and

goal-oriented inside and outside

where she was a star pupil,

girls from marginalized areas

of the ring. Her daily schedule is

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a vast mix of communicating with

Ogunte Network in the United

donors, evaluating and managing

Kingdom.

resources, organizing staff

Through this program,

trainings, developing curriculum

Cynthia hopes to learn how

and writing grants.

to couple sports programs

In order to prioritize schooling for

with entrepreneurial skills

her brother and younger sister,

that can help the women and

who she has looked after since

girls of Kenya gain economic

her mother’s death, Cynthia was

independence. She also hopes

not able to attend university on a

to gain skills in mentoring and

regular basis (although she has

consulting so that she can train

earned certificates in business

other women to become leaders

management and public relations

in sport and society. We believe

from the University of Nairobi).

Gwen Conley, Group Media

On top of her work with Boxgirls,

Director, and her team at Saatchi

she now attends classes part-time

will be just the innovative thinkers

in pursuit of a degree in gender,

Cynthia needs to accomplish

women and development studies.

these goals.

“I learned that being somebody

Gwen’s curiosity and ability to

that can instill something

combine different mediums to

positive into somebody else’s

achieve integrated solutions will

life is so much greater than any

be perfect in helping Cynthia

other success,” Cynthia says.

develop her entrepreneurial

“Somebody believed in me when

model. Saatchi’s four-year

I was young, and now my goal

investment in the program and

is to invest in girls and young

also in Kenya uniquely positions

women in our community to stand

them to help Cynthia create a

and be role models.”

mentoring program for other Kenyan women. We are excited

Cynthia also recently served as a motivational speaker for the UNESCO World Youth Forum on Sport, Culture and Peace in a featured social innovator by the

@EWGTS

|

“

As mentors, we have to be committed. It’s not just about us teaching them. If you’re really open and build that relationship, they’re going to teach you more than you are ever going to teach them. And it’s so important to be a part of that experience. This isn’t

to watch the Kenyan forces

just something else to add to

collide for the betterment of

the resume -- it’s so much more

women in their society and

than that.

the power they all derive from

Nanjing, China, and was named

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

Saatchi’s support and guidance.

#EmpowerWomen

|

”

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

GWEN CONLEY Saatchi & Saatchi LA

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CYNTHIA COREDO Boxgirls Kenya Program Manager KENYA

EDUCATION Certificate in Business Management

2014

University of Nairobi

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I enjoy spending time with my family. They create a good environment for me to be happy and to enjoy life in small, unique ways. They always make me laugh. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream since I was 12 years old has been to be a global woman for global works. I want to invest in girls and women around the world. I want to be a philanthropist, and I want to establish an international institute that will give strategic directions to organizations for investing in girls and women in grassroots communities.

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Programs Manager

2009 – Present

Boxgirls Kenya Motivational Speaker

2014

UNESCO and Nanjing Youth Olympic Organizing Committee World Youth Forum on Sport, Culture, and Peace Program Assistant for Kenya Programs

2012 – 2013

Foundation for International Cardiac and Children Services Facilitator, South Korean Youth Leadership Program United Nations Office of Sport for Development

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2013


THE BIG THREE WITH

CYNTHIA COREDO KENYA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To become equipped for national and international sports consulting

To learn, connect, and collaborate with other leaders using entrepreneurial models

3

To learn how to create leadership and mentorship platforms for women and girls in marginalized communities

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

Growing up without parents gave me a passion for instilling hope in young women.

I am a Christian, but I respect the faiths of others.

3

I love organizing events and cooking.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Strategic Thinker Good Communicator Team Builder & Leader

@EWGTS

|

Positive Attitude Offers Guidance Sets a Good Example

#EmpowerWomen

|

Team Player Change Agent Honest

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

GWEN CONLEY

Senior Director Media SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA GWEN CONLEY has more than

Gwen seved as the the

20 years experience in the

Integrated Marketing Director

advertising business, working

at davidandgoliath, where

at Saatchi & Saatchi for the

she created and ran a new

past five years on Toyota. She

department within the agency.

is the Group Media Director

Her team maximizing clients’

overseeing all paid media for

marketing investment across

Toyota. Since joining Saatchi &

all communication channels.

Saatchi, Gwen has led her team

Her approach to media, innate

in developing innovative ideas

curiosity, and progressive

that capitalize on the rapidly

thinking has resulted in ground-

changing marketplace.

breaking custom programs for

Prior to her time at Saatchi,

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her clients and two Effie awards.

she worked at a variety of

A graduate of the University of

agencies on automotive brands

Florida, Gwen spends spare time

such as Lexus, Kia, and Acura.

traveling the globe. Although

In addition to automotive, her

she’s been in Los Angeles long

in-depth experience covers a

enough to lose her Kentucky

variety of categories, including

accent, she still embraces her

retail, technology, and gaming.

hillbilly roots in her travel blog.

GlobalSportsWomen.org

FUN FACTS: WHAT ANIMAL ARE YOU MOST LIKE AND WHY? My father once told me that I am just like a pitbull – when I set my mind to something, I just won’t let it go. IF YOU COULD LEARN ANY INSTRUMENT WHAT WOULD IT BE? Piano WHAT SEASON IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY? The summer! I feel like I come alive in the summer. WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING TO YOU LIVE BY? I recently found a great philosophy inside a fortune cookie that said, “Live each day like it’s a separate life.” I love the sentiment and truly want to live by it. But I have to admit that it’s very difficult to do everyday.


THE BIG THREE WITH

GWEN CONLEY SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To learn about another culture

To be inspired to make a difference

3

To assist and empower our emerging leader to reach her goals

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I am truly excited to meet her, and will do everything I can to help her reach her goals.

I love traveling the globe, learning about other cultures, and sharing the adventures.

3

I love dogs.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Passionate Tenacious Kind-Hearted

@EWGTS

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Empathetic Passionate Good-Listener

#EmpowerWomen

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Self-Confident Giving Focused

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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SHANELLE BARRETT NEW ZEALAND

+

JOAN CORAGGIO SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA

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SHANELLE BARRETT Technical & Events Advisor Triathlon NZ NEW ZEALAND At five years old, SHANELLE BARRETT begged

Doctors advised her it would be detrimental to her

her dad to let her accompany him to the Taupo

health to continue to race. This experience was

Harriers Club so she could run with the club.

a crushing blow to an athlete who had spent the

But unfortunately, according to the sports club

last 15 years of her life training for an Olympic

policies, she was too young. So she did what any

opportunity.

headstrong little girl would do, she ran anyway. “As a child I was extremely determined and

reach her Olympic goals. With her racing career

competitive,” Shanelle recalls. “By the age of 10,

over, she set her sights on a new pursuit - becoming

I finished my first triathlon. In the same year, I

an internationally qualified technical official for

was invited to be part of the closing ceremonies

the sport of triathlon. In 2012, Shanelle achieved

for the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland,

her lifelong dream and was selected as part of

New Zealand. After watching these amazing,

the officiating team for the London Olympics.

elite athletes, I declared to my Mum that I would

“When I first came into officiating, you maybe saw

become one and make it to the Olympics one day.”

two or three female officials involved,” Shanelle

Years later, Shanelle was on the cusp of making the New Zealand triathlon team for the Athens 2004 Games, but came down with a debilitating illness, glandular fever, and was bed-ridden for six months.

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Undefeated, however, Shanelle was determined to

says. “So I thought it’d be a good challenge to try and change that. And now, in New Zealand, we probably have 80 percent women officials. We are a developed nation and have broken down a lot of barriers between males and females

GlobalSportsWomen.org


already, but we don’t want to get

Joan Coraggio, Group Director

complacent.”

of Brand Integration, and her team at Saatchi & Saatchi

Shanelle is unyielding,

will provide Shanelle with the

competitive, and driven. In

solid combination of passion,

her role as technical and

expertise, and innovation as

events advisor for Triathlon

well as the energizing support

New Zealand, the national

she needs to continue fighting

governing body for triathlon,

for women and persons with

duathlon, aquathon and cross

disabilities in New Zealand.

triathlon, she is responsible for taking the technical program

Joan and her team are creative

from “the dark side” of an, old

geniuses who can whiteboard

school, male-dominated culture

and find solutions to the most

to increased participation and

difficult challenges. Saatchi’s

access for women and persons

incredible partnership with

with disabilities. Shanelle works

Paralympians, including Amy

closely with Paralympics NZ,

Purdy, and their longstanding

the Halberg Disability Sport

commitment to diversity and

Foundation, and Parafeds to

inclusion may provide Shanelle

accomplish her inclusion goals.

with new and creative ideas in the disability sports sphere. In

During her time in the United

addition, Saatchi has experience

States, Shanelle wants to learn

working in the triathlon space

new strategies for working in

and valuable connections with

a multicultural environment to promote diversity and inclusivity. Although she has been in event feels there is more to learn and ways to scale the sport both in access, marketing, and

professionals in the sports field –

@EWGTS

|

some incredible things in my career, but this has been a completely different incredibly fulfilling to use my

for Shanelle. With such ripe

skill set to help women who

believe Joan and Saatchi are

– as athletes, officials, and

ever worked on. I’ve done

event management experiences

of diversity and inclusion, we

mentoring programs for women

impactful program I’ve

experience for me. It’s

make a difference in the realm

to gain greater insight into

“

This has been the most

both of which will offer insightful

opportunities for Shanelle to

promotions. Shanelle also hopes

forward in a unified effort.

California Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,

management for 15 years, she

to propel women of all abilities

USA Triathlon and the Southern

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

the best to help her navigate an action plan around sport and human rights.

#EmpowerWomen

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are developing NGOs and

”

meaningful programs in their countries.

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

JOAN CORAGGIO Saatchi & Saatchi LA

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SHANELLE BARRETT Technical & Events Advisor Triathlon NZ NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION Business Management

2002

Waiariki Polytechnic; Rotorua, New Zealand Sports and Exercise Science

1997

Auckland University; Auckland, New Zealand

FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I was a huge fan of sports growing up! I played Netball, basketball, tennis, athletics, and competed in Triathlons. WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My family. They are a huge part of my life and are my biggest fans and support crew when it comes to what I do in my life and the successes that come my way. We all have a very close and strong bond in life and are lucky enough to all live in the same town!

Bursary – Calculus, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, English Taupo Nui-a-Tia College; Taupo, New Zealand

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Managing Director

2009 – Present

Event Management Business Chief Swim Official

2012

London Olympic Games Technical Manager

2007 – 2009

Triathlon NZ Accounts Manager

2005 – 2007

Metframe NZ Ltd Accounts Manager Competitive Edge Consultants

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, I have a black Cocker Spaniel named Mika.

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1996

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2002 – 2005


THE BIG THREE WITH

SHANELLE BARRETT NEW ZEALAND

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To gain a greater understanding of American culture and apply it to multicultural environments

2

To learn best practices for event management

3

To encourage women to participate in & to improve my mentoring skills

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I’m mainly involved in Triathlons, but I’ve worked other events as well.

I’m committed to getting the most I can out of the program.

3

I’m a good listener and will generally take in all of my surroundings before making myself heard.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Committed Honest Good Communicator

Dedication Integrity Flexibility

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

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Positive Attitude Dedicated Confident

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

JOAN CORAGGIO

Group Communications Director Brand Integration SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA JOAN CORAGGIO has built a 20-year career with strategic planning and execution of Event Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing programs. She has worked to evolve Event Marketing into a multidimensional experience that includes social, digital, and media integration to reflect the changing technology trends. Currently, she is the Group Director of the Brand Integration team at Saatchi & Saatchi LA where she works on the Toyota account. In her role, she guides strategies that focus on lifestyle passion points and interests that reflect consumers’ dynamic lives. Her team develops

Joan with 2014 GSMP Alumna Salhat Abbasova (left) of Azerbaijan and 2014 GSMP Alumna Maqulate Onyango (right) of Kenya

and oversees national Toyota sponsorships in sports, music, and other lifestyle interest that support the 23 Toyota vehicle models. Programs include a variety of music festival such as Lollapalooza and Stagecoach, sports relationships and strategic partnerships including Lifetime Fitness Clubs and Bass Pro Shops. Last year, her team managed more than 300 events across 1,000 event days. Prior to joining Saatchi, Joan spent five years as the VP/Director of Events and Promotions at Wunderman/Y&R in Irvine, CA working on the Lincoln Mercury business. She managed key sponsorships such as Cirque du Soleil supporting the Lincoln LS launch, in addition to multiple media partnerships and Lincoln’s sponsorship of the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. In her early career, she spent seven years at Universal Studios in Hollywood, producing events on the back lot for all entities of Universal, including the Motion Picture Group, Television, MCA Records, and other entertainment clients.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org

FUN FACTS: WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? Definitely my daughter. She is an old soul with a young heart. She makes me examine my life and my actions daily. DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Strangely, I do a really great chicken imitation – yep! DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, I have a 130lb Great Dane named, Coach. He’s a sweetheart.


THE BIG THREE WITH

JOAN CORAGGIO SAATCHI & SAATCHI LA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To provide our Emerging Leader with experiences that inspire her passion and work

To help provide tangible tools that the ELs can apply in their home countries

3

To build a lifelong friendship and continued source for our mutual idea exchange and inspiration

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I’m a mother of an 11-year-old girl who loves sports. I see the benefits of it and want every girl, no matter where she lives, to have the opportunity.

I love to travel and would spend my last dollar on an experience before I would spend it on a thing.

3

My sense of humor has been the most valuable tool for networking.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Empathetic Leads by Example Effective Communicator

Genuine Curious Confident

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Curious Authentic Self-Aware

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NAJAT ALSAYEGH

KUWAIT

+

LAURA DIXON

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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NAJAT ALSAYEGH

Head of Planning & Youth Development Ministry of State for Youth Affairs KUWAIT NAJAT ALSAYEGH is living in the midst of historical

believed in gender equality and has fought for this

changes taking place in Kuwait’s societal

right since a very young age.

perception of women. Since gaining the right to vote in 2005, women in this small Arab nation have become increasingly involved in political life. In 2009, women won four parliamentary seats. Today, Kuwaiti women are looking for more governmental support and encouragement to empower them to reach higher political and social positions.

“In Kuwait, each school selects a group of students to salute the flag every morning. As a child, I desperately wanted to be chosen for this special duty. So one day, my two friends and I decided to practice saluting it. And my teacher came running for me and said I had to go to the classroom immediately because saluting the flag is only for boys! At five years old, I could not understand why

Najat aspires to political leadership, preferring

my friend Fahad could salute the flag and I could

to focus on the increased opportunities in Kuwait

not! My parents and I had a long talk with the

for women to find their voice rather than potential

principal, asking that I be treated with the same

roadblocks. As the saying goes: “Where there’s a

dignity and respect as the boys. Since that day, I

will, there’s a way.”

have saluted the flag.”

She credits her family and sports for instilling in her

As a child, Najat’s passion for Kuwait was only

the belief in equal rights for all. She has always

rivaled by her passion for sport. “I have always

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been in love with sports. My

business leaders within the next

passion began in elementary

two years.

school with basketball and competitions between our school teams. But, like many other

Najat’s passion for youth development, holistic health, and sports opportunities for women

countries, support for Kuwaiti

and girls, specifically basketball,

women’s basketball teams just

could not be a better fit for

didn’t exist at the time. So my

Laura Dixon, Executive Director

dream of playing basketball became more of a hobby, giving me more time to focus on my

for Community Responsibility at Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Laura and her team are driven

academics.”

to be the most impactful sports

After earning a bachelor’s

organization in the world and

degree in political science

are working on community-based

from Kuwait University, and

programs in San Antonio to

spending more than three years

help them achieve this mission.

in marketing, public relations

Although they have many

and event management, Najat

programs and causes that will be

accepted her current role as

relevant to Najat, their passion

a project manager with the

for empowering underserved

Ministry of Youth Affairs. Since

communities through health,

January 2014, she has worked

education, and sport are most

from her position within the

synergistic to Najat’s dream for

government to open free sports

Kuwait. Together, we feel these

clubs in communities where

two will create incredible social

women have the least access, in

awareness campaigns for each

an effort to promote participation

of their respective communities

and combat high rates of obesity

that will make both better places

and diabetes in these areas.

for the next generation. We can’t

She also launched a project

wait to see the results.

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

We get so caught up in our lives and lose perspective of what’s going on around us. These women bring an incredible, fresh perspective to our group. As we become more global, these programs are invaluable.

”

LAURA DIXON Spurs Sports & Entertainment

called The Ugly Truth, part of the Women’s Empowerment Initiative (WEI), to train women in mid-management in soft skills like work ethic, teamwork and leadership, with hopes of seeing a two-percent increase in female

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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NAJAT ALSAYEGH

Head of Planning & Youth Development Ministry of State for Youth Affairs KUWAIT

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

2010

Kuwait University; Kuwait City, Kuwait

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have three sisters and one brother.

Project Manager

Kuwait National Youth Leadership Program Freelance Manager 2013 – Present Sports Event Planning

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Crossfit!

Marketing / PR Manager

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be the first woman prime minister in Kuwait.

Pink Coffee Marketing

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my grandmother.

Recruitment Coordinator

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE? Yes, India.

National Assembly

2013 – Present

Al Garabally Group Company

Senior PR Manager / Business Development Officer

2012 – 2013

Events Supervisor

AYMSTRONG

2012

2010 – 2012

M.H. Al Shaya Company

Intern

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? Vanilla ice cream

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2014 – Present

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2010


THE BIG THREE WITH

NAJAT ALSAYEGH KUWAIT

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To gain new knowledge about the U.S. sport industry

To learn from the best sports industry leaders

3

To create an international network of empowered women

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I’m very social.

I’m a fast learner.

3

I’m addicted to burgers!

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Visionary Good Listener Ambitious

Connected Ambitious Visionary

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Visionary Flexible Good Communicator

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LAURA DIXON

Executive Director Community Responsibility SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT LAURA DIXON joined Spurs Sports & Entertainment in January 2010 to direct the organization’s community responsibility efforts and serves as the Executive Director of Silver & Black Give Back. At Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Laura and her team manage the public charity and corporate social responsibility efforts of the San Antonio Spurs (NBA), Stars (WNBA), Rampage (AHL), Austin Spurs (D League), and the AT&T Center (arena). They spearheaded the reorganization of the Spurs Foundation, rebranding the 25 year-old public charity, now known as Silver & Black Give Back. They also created a service learning program, the Team Up Challenge, which empowers young people to change the world by connecting classroom curriculum with community service, bringing education alive in powerful ways. The Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives her team has implemented focus on the needs of the AT&T Center neighborhood, military families and health and wellness in San Antonio. They have mobilized the staff of the organization to become a volunteer army who work to address critical needs of our community. Before joining the Spurs Sports & Entertainment family, Laura was a partner at Victor Credo Sports where her clients included two NBA All-Stars and Olympic Gold Medalists, agents, pro sports teams, amateur athletic organizations, and NCAA coaches, including the 2008 Men’s Basketball National Champion coach, Bill Self. Laura grew up on a farm north of Dallas. Her love of community and sport come from her family, where she is one of 12 children. She has three dogs (Cooper, Avery, and Otis).

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FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Running or Yoga…depends on what my body says. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I lived a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? New Years Eve Eve (Dec. 30)


THE BIG THREE WITH

LAURA DIXON

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To improve understanding and perspective of our work and why it matters beyond our walls

To inspire those in our organization and league to consider opportunities such as GSMP

3

To create connections that allow for future growth and development

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

My beliefs, values, and confidences are Biblically based.

I’m a new mom to a 3-year-old boy.

3

Being wasteful and lazy scares me.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Team-Oriented Passionate Intrinsically Motivated

@EWGTS

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Team-Oriented Values-Driven Intrinsically motivated

#EmpowerWomen

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Curious Flexible Persistent

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CECILIA VALES MEXICO

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KAREN MORRISON

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

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CECILIA VALES

Gonzo Soccer Executive Director for Mexico & Latin America MEXICO CECILIA VALES approaches every

of experience in non-profit

has to validate and empower

day of her life with a clear

organizations with the mission

young girls. She is working hard

mission: “Save the world and get

to improve the quality of life for

to combat the machismo culture

every girl in our academy into

girls and families affected by

prevalent in her community and

college.”

poverty and violence. “There’s a

continuously advocates for the

lot of violence in my community

power of sport to transform lives.

and throughout the country,”

“Sport has a silent power, but

Cecilia says. “Women suffer from

the people in Mexico don’t give

many forms of abuse. There are

importance to it,” Cecilia says.

especially abuses in the maquilas

“If you want to be an athlete,

(foreign-owned factories) in

you’re on your own. And, for

Mexico. Through soccer, we try

us, it’s sometimes hard because

to show girls there are other

there are psychological issues

possibilities in life and there are

and abuses. But we know sport

different roads to get where they

is the answer. It can be a safe

want.”

place for them.”

Cecilia, the executive director for Gonzo Soccer Latin America, an organization that provides underserved girls in Mexico, Colombia and the U.S. with elite soccer and life-skills training, has been on this mission since 2009. A former college soccer player at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City where she earned a bachelor’s

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degree in international relations,

As a former collegiate athlete,

Cecilia has more than a decade

Cecilia knows the potential sport

GlobalSportsWomen.org

On top of life skills training and mentorship, Gonzo provides


nutrition classes and English-language instruction to girls, in hopes it will increase their opportunities and end the cycle of poverty so prevalent in these communities. “We all know soccer doesn’t last forever, so our main objective is for the girls to go to college and get a degree,” Cecilia says. In her role at Gonzo, Cecilia oversees the opening of new academies, monitors soccer coaches and management staff, devises business strategies, develops strategic alliances, leads fundraising efforts, and supervises the digital marketing strategy of the organization. In 2014, Cecilia attended the espnW Women and Sports Summit with Monica Gonzalez, Gonzo Soccer co-founder and former Mexico women’s national team soccer player. Through the GSMP, which concludes with attendance at the summit, Cecilia wants to take further advantage of the opportunity to network with strong female leaders, familiarize herself with new leadership and funding strategies, and learn more about U.S. legislation like Title IX that has served to empower American girls and women in their pursuit of sports opportunities.

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

When I was younger, having female role models to look up to who participated in the Olympics ignited this fire in me to participate in sports. Then

We think Karen Morrison, Chief Diversity Officer, and Tiffany Sayhaydak, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, at the University of Central Florida (UCF), will be an incredible duo to help Cecilia

I was able to play on the first Olympic team ever for

address these issues. Being on campus at UCF will give Cecilia

women’s soccer. So I’m in

first-hand insight into the ways soccer and education support and

the position where I can

enhance the student-athlete experience. Karen’s background and expertise in Title IX and Tiffany’s role as a former Olympian, and

relate to these young girls

now head coach, will provide Cecilia with the resources she needs to

who have dreams and need

push for legislative change in Mexico while also advancing her goals

to be inspired to get that

to create a supportive and safe space for the girls in her academy.

fire going. That’s what I

Collectively, we are excited to watch these three create new pathways for women and girls in Mexico to achieve their dreams of education through sports and to end the current cycles of poverty and violence that exist.

@EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

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”

hope to contribute.

TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK University of Central Florida

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CECILIA VALES

Gonzo Soccer Executive Director for Mexico & Latin America MEXICO

EDUCATION Certification of Sports Philanthropy

2015

George Washington University Certification for Digital Marketing

FUN FACTS: DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I played soccer since I was 5 until university. I also played tennis and loved any outdoor sport that involved a ball.

University of Texas Bachelor’s of Arts in International Relations

2007

Universidad Iberoamericana de la Ciudad de México

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Director of Mexico and Latin America

2014 – Present

Gonzo Soccer

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXTREME SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY? I love scuba diving and watch everything from surfing to freestyle biking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, snowboarding, and sailing.

Accounts Manager

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I have been lucky to travel a lot in my life and one of my favorite places is India. The culture and people are amazing.

Human Resources Analyst

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2013

2012 – 2013

Klein and Gross

Senior Manager of Image Marketing

2010 – 2012

Jerry ML Junior Consultant

2008 – 2010

Asesoria Estrategia Total

Nycomed Mexico

2008

Assistant

2007

Asociación Civil de Acompañamiento a Migrantes y Refugiados

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THE BIG THREE WITH

CECILIA VALES MEXICO

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To learn about women’s rights in America so I can work to apply them in Latin America

2

To create a network that promotes women’s empowerment through sports

3

To learn best practices from other women who promote sport for women and girls

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I am passionate about empowering women and girls through sport so they will become leaders.

I am eager to learn new things.

3

I am committed to achieving my goals.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Listener Empathetic Actions align with beliefs

Learner Passionate Dedicated

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Self-assured Listener Good Communication

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GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

KAREN MORRISON Chief Diversity Officer UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK

Head Women’s Soccer Coach UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

As the University of Central

An Olympic gold medallist,

Florida’s Chief Diversity Officer,

World Cup champion and a two-

KAREN MORRISON coordinates

time NCAA champion, TIFFANY

the university’s effort to build a

ROBERTS SAHAYDAK has been the

culture of inclusion and respect

University of Central Florida’s

for all students, faculty and staff.

head women’s soccer coach

She is responsible for developing

since May 2013. In her first

diversity and inclusion as the

season, the two-time American

university’s leadership priority,

Athletic Conference Coach of the

and also initiates and supports

Year led UCF to a school-record

relevant training programs while

unbeaten streak (18 matches) and

engaging the campus and larger

the program’s first undefeated

community in collaborative

conference season since 1999.

initiatives and partnerships. Karen also served eight years as the director of inclusion for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Before joining UCF, Tiffany spent six seasons at Virginia Commonwealth University alongside her current UCF associate head coach and

Karen earned a Juris Doctorate

husband Tim Sahaydak. She lives

from the University of Notre Dame

in Orlando with Tim and their two

Law School.

daughters, Layla and Evie.

Karen with 2013 GSMP Alumna Yu-Hsien “Blue” Tseng of Taiwan

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FUN FACTS: IF YOU COULD LEARN TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? Karen: The piano. My youngest is taking lessons, and I like the thought of playing with him. WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? Karen: I love bouncing ideas around with my colleagues, but I love spending time with my sons. Work invigorates me...I love good challenges. My sons make me feel proud and loved. They also make me feel a responsibility to prepare others for happiness and success. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? Tiffany: My teammates from the US National Team. They led by serving, cared for others, and were humble and selfless. They’re also some of the most competitive women in the world. I learned you can balance being tough and compassionate.


THE BIG THREE WITH

KAREN MORRISON & TIFFANY ROBERTS SAHAYDAK UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To expose our Emerging Leader to new cultural experiences and develop a long-term relationship

To support our Emerging Leader in the development of an effective Action Plan

3

To advance the vision of GSMP: Making the world a better place by women’s empowerment through sport

THREE THINGS we WANT our emerging leader TO KNOW ABOUT US:

2

1

Karen: Sport made all the difference in my life, and I’m excited to support your efforts.

We are here to listen, guide, and support you.

3

Tiffany: I love coaching collegeaged women & watching them develop during their time here at UCF.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Enthusiastic Open-Minded Good Communicator

@EWGTS

|

Trustworthy Good Communicator Respectful

#EmpowerWomen

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Confident & Tenacious Happy & Ambitious Growth Mindset

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BATOUL ARNAOUT JORDAN

+

ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC

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BATOUL ARNAOUT

Sport Marketing & PR Specialist BOOST JORDAN BATOUL ARNAOUT still gets stares as she rides her

found strength and independence. She knows this

bike through Amman, Jordan. A grown woman on

would not have been possible without the constant

a bicycle continues to raise eyebrows in the Middle

support of her father, who stood by her side even

East. Batoul challenges the status quo, choosing to

as other voices in her life told her to settle down.

embody a sports woman in a culture that still sees sports as a purely male domain.

“He raised me to be a strong, confident and independent woman,” Batoul says. “He taught

“For lots of people, they don’t think I’m a normal

me how to work hard to achieve my dreams and

person,” Batoul says. “I’m 36 years old and I’m

how to never underestimate myself as a woman. I

always on the streets, running or on my bicycle.

learned from him that dignity and integrity always

But just because I’m doing something that is not

come first.”

accepted by the public, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop. I wouldn’t leave sports for anyone.”

A former public relations regional manager for LG Electronics in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq,

Batoul has been relentless in her pursuit of sport.

with an MBA in marketing from the University

From the age of five, she has participated in a

of Mutah, Batoul has always found a way to

range of athletics, including basketball, squash,

incorporate sport into her professional life. After

and taekwondo. To this day, she continues taking

a promising career in management, she founded

part in athletics as an avid cyclist and long distance

BOOST – Better Opportunities & Options for

runner. Through sports experiences, she has

Sports Today —in April 2014, with the aim of

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increasing access to sport for

non-profits on her campaigns,

Jordanians and improving the

(such as Cycling Jordan), and

standard of sport across the

wants to continue engaging

country.

community leaders to increase BOOST’s positive impact in

“I was jogging in the Sport City (Al Hussein Youth City in Amman) and there was so much trash and [people] smoking everywhere,”

the area. She has already received media attention from The Jordan Times and AlJazeera, the largest television

Batoul says. “So I decided to

network in the Arab world.

launch a campaign to clean up

Now, she wants to learn more

the running track and announce

about strategic partnerships,

it as a non-smoking area so athletes would want to go back.”

campaign fundraising, website development, and event management to perpetuate the

After the success of the

organization’s growth.

cleanup campaign, which received support from over

Batoul’s passion for healthy

100 volunteers, Batoul officially

sports environments, coupled

registered BOOST. She then

with her love of cycling and

launched “Help Them Become

her background in squash,

Champions,” a follow-up project

make Alicia McConnell,

aimed at providing underserved

Director of Training Sites and

children by encouraging people

Community Partnerships at

to donate sports wear and equipment at collection sites in 10 fitness centers.

the USOC a natural match for this mentorship. Based in

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

In the United States, we’re very fortunate. We have a lot of resources and we have a lot of opportunities. Sharing these with people from around the world and doing everything we can to assist is a wonderful thing because many of us get so much more

”

from giving than from getting. It’s wonderful to help grow women’s sports around the globe.

Colorado Springs, the USOC

“Because I am an athlete, I know the situation in Jordan,” Batoul says. “I was lucky because my family was supportive, and they helped me buy my equipment to play, but others aren’t so lucky. The joy I get from helping these kids is priceless. It makes me

beauty and the residents are committed to clean air and the environment. Just a short drive from USOC headquarters is USA Cycling, a fantastic connection for Batoul given her cycling and fundraising endeavors. Further, Alicia is a top athlete and served

sleep happy.”

as a squash coach before coming

As part of her efforts, Batoul

to the USOC. Alicia’s passion for

partnered with other local

community outreach will

@EWGTS

|

ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC

is surrounded by natural

#EmpowerWomen

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prove invaluable for Batoul as she engages local Jordanians in community service projects. We look forward to watching this relationship blossom and all of the amazing things they will learn from one another – on bikes, on the court, and in the community.

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BATOUL ARNAOUT

Sport Marketing & PR Specialist BOOST JORDAN

EDUCATION Master of Arts in Business Marketing

2004

2000

University of Mutah; Maw’tah, Jordan Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

University of Jordan; Amman, Jordan

FUN FACTS: DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF YES, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes! Yoko, my beautiful cat. She is 2 years old. I named her after a Japanese longdistance runner who looks like her! The name means positive energy, which she is. WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My dad. I learned from him that dignity and integrity come first. He raised me to be a strong, confident, and independent woman. He taught me how to work hard to achieve my dreams and how to never underestimate myself as a woman. He is a well-educated, honest, and passionate person whom I admire.

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CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Communication and Outreach Officer

2014 – Present

USAID Sustainable Cultural Heritage & Community Engagement Founder 2014 – Present BOOST

PR Regional Manager

2010 – 2014

LG Levant

Senior Account Manager

2005 – 2009

iRelations

Strategic Account Planner & Media Planner Team Holding Group

2003 – 2005

Marketing and Sales Manager SportUp Jordan

GlobalSportsWomen.org

2002 – 2003


THE BIG THREE WITH

BATOUL ARNAOUT JORDAN

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To gain knowledge, skills, and experience that is applicable to my initiative, “BOOST”

To learn best practices and meet experts in the sports industry

3

To learn how to develop a 5-year-plan to make “BOOST” sustainable

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I believe in the power of sports for developing nations.

2

I believe all athletes should have equal opportunity, regardless of gender, age, or social status.

3

I am passionate and hardworking, and I believe I was born to make a difference through sport.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Experienced Shares Knowledge Enthusiastic

Passionate Strategic Thinker Knowledgeable

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Confident Independent Smart

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GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR

ALICIA MCCONNELL

Director of Training Sites and Community Partnerships USOC ALICIA MCCONNELL is the Director of Training Sites and Community Partnerships for the United States Olympic Committee. Her main responsibility is to cultivate collaborations with community organizations throughout the United States and to access additional resources, services, and facilities for athletes and National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport. She oversees 16 Olympic and Paralympic Training Sites, which serve national athletes and teams as well as 10 Community Olympic Development Programs that create sport opportunities for youth. Since 2006, the partners have contributed

Alicia with 2014 GSMP Alumna Deniz Cengiz of Turkey

to more than $35 million to offset USOC, NGB, and athlete training and development costs.

FUN FACTS:

Alicia earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in Economics and is very active in her community. She serves as Board President of the Colorado Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Treasurer of the National Council for Youth Sports, and is a member of the El Pomar Youth Sports Park and Pikes Peak Community Foundation Boards. She also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees of local and national non-profit organizations. In 2007, Alicia was awarded “Woman of Distinction” by the Girls Scouts, was named an “ATHENA” finalist in 2013 by the Colorado Springs Business Alliance, and was designated as a “Woman of Influence” in 2013 by the Colorado Springs Business Journal, all for her community service in Colorado Springs. She was a member of the 2005 class of the Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and has the honor of being in three Halls of Fame.

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IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green – Luck of the Irish! WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? My grandmother, Alice. Alicia is Spanish for Alice. DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I like to dance! WHAT’S SOMETHING ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? I’d love to take a sailboat trip to Alaska.


THE BIG THREE WITH

ALICIA MCCONNELL USOC

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To help our Emerging Leader network with others who can help her reach her goals

To complete a clear, realistic, and relevant business

3

To utilize the USOC resources and expertise to assist our Emerging Leader

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I’m very active. I have been a top athlete and coach in the sport of squash.

I enjoy meeting people and learning about new cultures and global perspectives.

3

I love community service, am very involved in Colorado Springs, and have traveled extensively.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Listens Empowers Guides

Self-Motivated Open-Minded Risk-Taker

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Collaborates Determined Persistent

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JULIE PATERSON

NEW ZEALAND

+

DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION

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JULIE PATERSON

CEO Netball Northern Zone Northern Mystics NEW ZEALAND It’s scoring a game-winning shot

professional athletes for the

especially those from poor

at the buzzer. It’s stopping an

Northern Mystics, a major

communities. But it’s challenging.

opponent just shy of the goal.

professional netball team

We’re always thinking creatively

It’s the camaraderie of winning

managed by the organization.

about how to make our sport

the title. It’s the heart-pounding

With a decade of experience as

more accessible to women who

magic that we have come to

the CEO, Julie handles an annual

can’t afford to play it, giving

associate with sport.

operating budget of $2.5 million,

women a pathway to succeed in

with nine full-time staff reporting

life.”

JULIE PATERSON appreciates all the splendor and effort of

One of Julie’s concerns,

high-performance sport. But, she

As a child, Julie played netball,

therefore, is the lack of funding

also understands that it takes

New Zealand’s most popular

given to netball in comparison

commitment and behind-the-

women’s sport and a rival to

to New Zealand’s other sports.

scenes efforts for athletes and

rugby in terms of raw numbers

The proportion of funding

sports fans to experience these

of participants. But, she wasn’t

allocated to netball is less than

moments: “You have to have the

as interested in playing sports

half of that to rugby and less

right system, running efficiently,

herself as she was in making sure

than other sports with far fewer

to make sports moments

sports operated efficiently so that

participants. Julie wants to

magical,” she says.

others could play. Julie works in

inspire private organizations to

this capacity at Netball Northern

get involved in order to develop

Zone, which reaches from South

leadership programs and expand

Auckland to the northern parts

netball’s outreach for the social

of the island inhabited by large

and economic empowerment of

numbers of the indigenous Maori

women in her country.

As the CEO of Netball Northern Zone in New Zealand, Julie has a wide range of responsibilities, from communicating with 17 independent netball centers in her zone, to securing

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directly to her.

people.

“Commercially we secure millions

sponsorships, game revenue

“In my experiences, sport has

of dollars less than male sports,”

and funding, to contracting

been a way to empower women,

Julie says. “We have a very

GlobalSportsWomen.org


strong commercial proposition in our elite netball game through live broadcast of the competition, as well as an opportunity to tap into our vast participation base, and yet we struggle to achieve anything near equitable support from businesses or other funders.” Through the GSMP, Julie hopes to gain first-hand knowledge and understanding of international sports administration. Further, she plans to study the best approaches and practices around the commercialization and profit development of women’s sports in the United States. She seeks ways to make netball more accessible, especially for Maori and Pacific Island girls and girls from underserved areas in New Zealand. With Julie’s experience as a CEO—coupled with her desire to increase funding for women’s sports and her passion to make sport

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

We are excited and proud to be a part of the Global Sports Mentoring Program. The Women’s Sports Foundation is dedicated to promoting leadership, and it has been a very rewarding experience

more accessible—we can think of no better mentor than Deborah

to meet so many aspiring

Slaner Larkin, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Deborah

and inspiring women from

has been working to advance women’s rights and female leadership

countries around the world.

opportunities for over 30 years and loves encouraging aspiring female leaders. In addition, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s

We are eager to welcome this

historical fight for equality in regards to sponsorship, pay, and media

year’s Emerging Leader and

attention should also offer valuable lessons for Julie as she advances

look forward to sharing our

the game of netball in New Zealand. Lastly, the Foundation’s Sport

experience and expertise with

4 Life program, dedicated to creating sports opportunities for girls in underserved communities, may prove especially beneficial to Julie as she tries to reach lower socio-economic regions in the North of

will learn as much from her.

New Zealand. We are excited to see how these two CEOs develop a strategic plan of attack to ensure the growth of netball and the subsequent development of the girls and women who play it.

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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”

her – knowing full well that we

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN Women’s Sports Foundation

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JULIE PATERSON

CEO Netball Northern Zone Northern Mystics NEW ZEALAND

EDUCATION Bachelor’s Degree, Commerce

Massey University Diploma, Economics

FUN FACTS: WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My kids are at a great age of learning and being involved with lots of different sports and activities – and they are still young enough to love hanging out with us! WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My father. There was nothing on the family farm that my sisters and I didn’t do. I grew up with a very strong belief that girls can do anything and was always supported in that approach by my father.

Southland Girls High School; Invercargill, New Zealand

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS CEO

2012 – Present

Netball Northern Zone

CEO

2012

LG Mystics

CEO

2005 – 2011

Netball Southland and Southern Steel Business Owner

2004 – 2008

Busy Bodies Child Care

Regional Manager of Tourism Venture Southland

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, we have a cat named Blackball and two mice, Lightening and Dot.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org

1997 – 2005


THE BIG THREE WITH

JULIE PATERSON NEW ZEALAND

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To brainstorm new ideas for program participation and retention

To make sport more accessible for lower socioeconomic groups

3

To develop a platform for sustainable funding

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

I

I like to be direct and prefer when others are direct with me.

I am hard-working and committed.

QUALITIES of a great EMERGING LEADER:

QUALITIES of a great MENTOR:

QUALITIES of an EMPOWERED WOMAN:

Great Listener Encouraging Constructive

Independent Thinker Confident Supportive

Open-Minded Growth Mindset Applies Knowledge

@EWGTS

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3

I love my family and enjoy watching my children play sports.

#EmpowerWomen

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facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GSMP 2014 MENTOR

DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN President and CEO WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION

DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation, has more than 30 years’ experience of executive experience in corporate, government, and non-profit leadership. Her strengths are fundraising, marketing, and working collaboratively with individuals, sports, and public and private entities. Considered an expert on Title IX, Ms. Larkin has worked behind the scenes for years, educating the public about gender equity, while serving on the President’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports. She’s also testified before Congress on health, gender equity, and Title IX issues. During that time, she also co-managed the critically acclaimed President’s Council Report – Physical Activity & Sport in the Lives of Girls: Physical & Mental Health Dimension from an interdisciplinary approach, and she chaired the Council’s Committee on Minorities. Ms. Larkin recognizes the dual importance of using evidence-based research to uncover the needs of and address the gaps for underserved populations in sports and then works with sports organizations to use that information to increase equal access and quality programming. Throughout her career, Ms. Larkin has focused her efforts on promoting civil rights, women’s leadership, and gender equity on the local, regional, state, and national levels. In recognition of her involvement and services toward many Supreme Court victories, she was nominated by Senator Jeff Klein as the 2012 “Distinguished Woman of New York” and won the award on May 15 of that year. Ms. Larkin also serves on the boards of the National Women’s Law Center, My Sisters’ Place, SUNY Purchase, RE: Gender (formerly the National Council on Research for Women) and NYJTL.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org

Deborah with 2014 GSMP Alumna Anne-Dorte Andersen of Denmark

FUN FACTS: IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple – It’s the color of good judgement and mystery, and it’s a combination of blue (my favorite color) and red, which always makes a statement. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE? I play and compete in tennis, workout, and walk. IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO? I’d love to go to Alaska, Turkey, and New Zealand.


THE BIG THREE WITH

DEBORAH SLANER LARKIN WOMEN’S SPORTS FOUNDATION

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To educate our Emerging Leader about the WSF and the efforts we support

To assist our Emerging Leader with her Action Plan

3

To continue supporting international efforts for women’s sports

THREE THINGS I WANT MY EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

2

1

I’m passionate about gender equity, women’s sports, and opportunities for all.

I’ve worked for 30 years in the area of women’s rights and leadership.

3

I’m an athlete, have a daughter who was a college athlete, and still compete.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Team-Player Uses sport to develop leaders Knowledgeable

@EWGTS

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Involved Listens Networks

#EmpowerWomen

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Focused & Confident Builds a strong and diverse team Collaborates

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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GlobalSportsWomen.org


VERONICA OSOGO

+

KENYA

KATHRYN CHAPPETTO

WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION

CINDY LUPKEY

WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION

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VERONICA OSOGO

President & Founder Zion Zone Tennis Foundation KENYA Tennis and life in the slums are as difficult to put together in one’s imagination as they are in actuality. Such was the case in Kenya until former professional tennis player VERONICA OSOGO began her work in Kibera, a large slum settlement three miles outside of downtown Nairobi. “The game was very strange for the kids,” Veronica says. “At first, they called it golf and they called me their golf teacher. Most of them had never seen it. But they asked me to never stop coming back and I haven’t.”

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challenges. It made me realize there are problems all around me, but I can do something about them. I can change a life. And I can use sport to do that. Sports are not money or food, both of which encourage

It was almost a decade ago that

dependency. Sports are lifelong

Veronica first entered Kibera,

skills that empower people to

where the majority of its one

become independent leaders

million inhabitants live off less

and thinkers. Someone gave me

than one dollar a day. She

tennis and this is better than any

brought a few rackets and balls

gift they could have given to me.

to teach the kids the sport she

Now I am committed to giving it

fell in love with as an adult.

to others.”

“During my travels with tennis,

In 2000, Veronica graduated

I met so many people who had

from Guru Nanak Dev University

GlobalSportsWomen.org

in India with a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Afterward, she competed professionally on the African tennis circuit, winning doubles titles in Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Sudan and Ethiopia. When not competing, she coaches on behalf of the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association, the sport’s national governing body,


and in 2014 helped the women’s

clubs. With our own center, the

wheelchair tennis team qualify

kids could feel more at home

for the BNP Paribas World Team

and there would be more money

Cup, a historic achievement for

for equipment and tournament

her country.

travel.”

In 2006, Veronica launched Zion

There is no greater mentor

Zone Tennis out of her early

for Veronica than the largest

volunteer work in the slums with

women’s sports federation in

the purpose of engaging children

the world, the Women’s Tennis

through a range of activities

Association. Working with

that promote physical health,

Kathryn Chappetto, Director

self-exploration, and, ultimately,

of Partnerships, and Cindy

alleviate poverty. In a nine-year

Lupkey, Manager of Global

span, the organization has

Administration and Projects,

grown from serving 28 students

will not only be a personally

at its inception to more than

fulfilling experience for Veronica,

500 today. In 2009, Veronica

but also a professional dream

won the Sportsperson of the

come true. As Veronica seeks

Year (SOYA) award as Kenya’s

to grow the game of tennis,

“Community Hero” for her work.

we feel confident that Kathryn

“My biggest desire is to establish this program in different slums and reach more children,” Veronica says. “My dream is to have my own tennis center, a place for the children to come and enjoy themselves. Right

and Cindy will give her the guidance, support, and resources she needs to exceed even her own expectations. Kathryn and Cindy’s backgrounds in marketing, communications, and public relations will undoubtedly help Veronica tell her own story

now, all of the money I raise

and ultimately market Zion

is used to pay rent to private

Zone Tennis to a number of new audiences – including sponsors – who can assist her in purchasing her own facility. We are excited

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE:

“

This program really aligns with our values at the WTA – all about empowering women through sports. We do it on the daily. These interactions are really enriching too, exposing our office to someone else who is passionate to learn about what we do and our world. It’s a win-win.

to watch these three serve up new ideas as they dream of ways to empower underserved girls in Kiberia through tennis. @EWGTS

|

#EmpowerWomen

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facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

”

KATHRYN CHAPPETTO Women’s Tennis Association

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VERONICA OSOGO

President & Founder Zion Zone Tennis Foundation KENYA

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Economics

2000

Khalsa College, Guru Nanak Dev University, India

FUN FACTS: DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU’RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. Yes, tennis has opened many doors for me. It’s kept me out of trouble and exposed me to different countries and cultures. Also, I came up with the Zion Foundation after a visit to the slums. I met the “voiceless” and desired to change their lives through the game. My biggest dream is to build a tennis center that will change lives of many underprivileged children countrywide.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS President and Founder

2006 – Present

Zion Zone Tennis Foundation; ZionZone.org Trainer 2015 – Present Kenya National Tennis Team

Professional Athlete Kenya National Tennis Team

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I was named after my Aunt Veronica because she could not have kids. My father wanted to make her happy by naming me after her.

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GlobalSportsWomen.org

2002 – 2013


THE BIG THREE WITH

VERONICA OSOGO KENYA

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

1

To extend my program to target underprivileged and disabled young girls

2

To use the information I learn to teach other women who work with young girls

3

To encourage women to create programs that help the voiceless

THREE THINGS I WANT MY MENTOR TO KNOW ABOUT ME:

I

I am social and like meeting new people, but I also love my privacy.

2

I am a tennis player by profession and enjoy being in the sports field.

3

I am a born-again Christian who likes serving people.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Sincere Well-Organized Hard-Working

Willing to Learn Disciplined Hardworking

@EWGTS

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#EmpowerWomen

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Confident Risk-Taker Knowledgeable

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

137


KATHRYN CHAPPETTO Director Partnership Strategies WTA

Manager Global Administration & Projects WTA

In July 2014, KATHRYN

CINDY LUPKEY joined the

CHAPPETTO joined Women’s

Women’s Tennis Association in

Tennis Association (WTA) as

2011. She currently oversees

Director of Partnership Strategy.

global administration, leads

In this role, she is responsible

the organization’s charitable

for developing the partnership

initiatives, assists in management

growth strategy and establishing

of corporate culture, and is

brand connections between the

responsible for corporate events

WTA and its future partners. In

such as meetings, hospitality, and

addition, Kathryn works closely

the VIP experience.

with the digital, content and broadcast teams to identity new opportunities for existing and new WTA partners to increase brand exposure, create unique activations and maximize partners’ return on investment. Prior to joining the WTA, Kathryn spent 7 years in automotive marketing, often with FIAT Chrysler Automobiles

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CINDY LUPKEY

Prior to joining the WTA, Cindy spent her time in the university setting, collaborating with professors to create academic youth programs at the University of South Carolina. She served as the Program Coordinator and live-in Residential Program Director. She then worked with the Tampa Bay division of National Public Radio (NPR)

Kathryn is a graduate of Florida

and the Public Broadcast

State University with Bachelor’s

System (PBS) at the University

degrees in Accounting and Sport

of Southern Florida where she

Management and the University

led the local volunteer program,

of Central Florida with an MBA

membership engagement, and

and a Masterw of Sport Business

planned the annual Membership

Management.

drive for the station.

GlobalSportsWomen.org

FUN FACTS: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Kathryn: I just started paddle boarding and love it. Other than that, I can walk for miles and miles...all day, anywhere. I just love exploring! IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Cindy: Crayola has a color called, “Razzmatazz.” I would want it because I LOVE purples and magentas and because it’s called “Razzmatazz.” Who wouldn’t want to be the “Razzmatazz” crayon?! So fun!


THE BIG THREE WITH

KATHRYN CHAPPETTO & CINDY LUPKEY WOMEN’S TENNIS ASSOCIATION

THREE GOALS FOR THE GSMP:

2

1

To support and guide our Emerging Leader and build a lifelong relationship with her

To expose our Emerging Leader to new experiences and real-life situations in sports

3

To provide a network to our Emerging Leader and learn from her

THREE THINGS I WANT OUR EMERGING LEADER TO KNOW ABOUT US:

2

1

We believe in the motto, “Work hard, Play Hard.”

We are good listeners and value relationships.

3

Kathryn: I’m very honest. Cindy: I love traveling and experiencing new cultures.

QUALITIES of a great QUALITIES of a GREAT QUALITIES of an MENTOR: EMERGING LEADER: EMPOWERED WOMAN: Honest Enthusiastic Open-Minded

@EWGTS

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Passionate Good Communicator Encouraging

#EmpowerWomen

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Confident Driven Kind & Loyal

facebook.com/GlobalSportsMentoringProgram

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